UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 

LIBRARY 

Class 

* ' 

Book 

Volume 

9X0.03 

UJ 

■i, 

• ? 

My  08-15M 



The  person  charging  this  material  is  re- 
sponsible for  its  return  on  or  before  the 
Latest  Date  stamped  below. 

Theft,  mutilation,  and  underlining  of  books 
are  reasons  for  disciplinary  action  and  may 
result  in  dismissal  from  the  University. 

University  of  Illinois  Library 


* 


; :nt\ 
■ J I o 


AUG  2 0 19114 


WR  3 G 19M 


L161— 0-1096 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/plutarchslivestr02plut_1 


THE  TUDOR 


TRANSLATIONS 

EDITED  BY 
W.  E.  HENLEY 
VIII 


PLUTARCH’S 

LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

GRECIANS  AND  ROMANS 

ENGLISHED  BY 

SIR  THOMAS  NORTH 

ANNO  1579 

With  an  Introduction  by 
GEORGE  WYNDHAM 


SECOND  VOLUME 


LONDON 
Published  by  DAVID  NUTT 
IN  THE  STRAND 

1895 


» 


Edinburgh : T.  and  A.  Constable,  Printers  to  Her  Majesty 


I 


THE  TABLE  OF  THE  NOBLE 
GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

compared  by  PLUTARKE  of  CELERONEA 


VOLUME  II 


PERICLES  . 

PAGE  1 ) 

} compared 

PAGE  86 

FABIUS  MAXIMUS  . 

59 

49) 

ALCIBIADES 

99 

89) 

f compared 

„ 190 

CORIOLANUS  . 

55 

143) 

PAULUS  iEMILIU S . 

99 

196) 

TIMOLEON 

55 

> compared 
243) 

„ 285 

PELOPIDAS 

288) 

[■  compared 

„ 374 

MARCELLUS 

55 

333) 

ARISTIDES  . 

55 

378 

THE  LIFE  OF  PERICLES 


JESAR  seeing  in  Rome  one  daye  certen 
riche  and  wealthy  straungers,  having  litle 
dogges  and  munkeyes  in  their  armes,  and 
that  they  made  marvelous  much  of  them, 
he  asked  them  if  the  women  in  their  coun- 
try had  no  children : wisely  reproving 
them  by  his  question,  for  that  they  be- 
stowed their  naturall  love  and  affection 
upon  brute  beasts,  which  they  should  with  all  kindnes  and 
love  bestowe  upon  creatures.  Nature  in  like  case  also,  having 
planted  in  our  minds  a naturall  desire  to  learne  and  under- 
stand, we  are  in  reason  to  reprove  those  that  vainely  abuse 
this  good  desire,  fondly  disposing  it  to  learne  things  vaine 
and  unprofitable : and  to  cast  behinde  them  in  the  meane 
season  things  honest  and  necessarie  to  be  learned.  For  as 
touching  our  outward  sence,  which  with  passion  receaveth 
impression  of  the  thing  it  seeth,  peradventure  it  wilbe  neces- 
sarie to  consider  indifferently  the  thing  seene,  whether  it  will 
fall  out  beneficiall  or  hurtefull  unto  him : but  so  fareth  it 
not  with  our  understanding,  for  every  man  maye  at  his  plea- 
sure turne  and  dispose  that  to  the  thinge  he  taketh  delight 
in,  the  reason  whereof  we  must  allwayes  employe  to  the  best  Wit  all- 
parte,  and  that  not  only  to  consider  and  looke  upon  the  wayes  to  be 
thing,  but  also  to  reape  the  benefit  and  commoditie  of  the  e™pJ<thiii  ^ 
thing  we  see.  For  like  as  the  eye  is  most  delited  with  the  g 
lightest  and  freshest  cullers  : even  so  we  must  geve  our 
mindes  unto  those  sightes,  which  by  looking  upon  them 
doe  drawe  profit  and  pleasure  unto  us.  For  such  effects  doth 
vertue  bring : that  either  to  heare  or  reade  them,  they  doc 
2 : A 1 


PERICLES 


Aiitisthenes 
saying  of  a 
flute  player. 


The  power 
of  vertue. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

printe  in  our  hartes  an  earnest  love  and  desire  to  followe 
them.  But  this  followeth  not  in  all  other  things  we  esteeme, 
neither  are  we  allwayes  disposed  to  desire  to  doe  the  things 
we  see  wel  done : but  contrary  oftentimes,  when  we  like  the 
worke,  we  mislike  the  worke  man,  as  commonly  in  making 
these  perfumes  and  purple  cullers.  For  both  the  one,  and 
the  other  doe  please  us  well : but  yet  we  take  perfumers  and 
diers  to  be  men  of  a meane  occupation.  Therefore  Antis- 
thenes  aunswered  one  very  wisely,  that  told  him  Ismenias 
was  an  excellent  player  of  the  flute.  But  yet  he  is  a naughtie 
man,  sayed  he  : otherwise  he  could  not  be  so  conning  at  the 
flute  as  he  is.  Even  so  dyd  Philippe  king  of  Macedon  saye  to 
his  sonne  Alexander  the  great  on  a time : that  at  a certen 
feast  had  song  passing  sweetely,  and  like  a master  of  musicke : 
Art  thou  not  ashamed,  sonne,  to  singe  so  well  ? It  is  enough 
for  a King  to  bestowe  his  leysure  somtime  to  heare  musitians 
singe,  and  he  doth  much  honour  to  the  muses  to  heare  the 
masters  of  the  science  otherwhile,  when  one  of  them  singeth 
to  excell  another.  But  he  that  personally  shall  bestowe  his 
time,  exercising  any  meane  science : bringeth  his  paynes  he 
hath  taken  in  matters  unprofitable,  a witnes  against  him 
selfe,  to  prove  that  he  hath  bene  negligent  to  learne  things 
honest  and  profitable.  And  there  was  never  any  young  gentle- 
man nobly  borne,  that  seeing  the  image  of  Iupiter  (which 
is  in  the  cittie  of  Pisa)  desired  to  become  Phidias  : nor 
Polycletus,  for  seeing  of  Iuno  in  the  cittie  of  Argos  : nor 
that  desired  to  be  Anacreon,  or  Philemon,  or  Archilochus, 
for  that  they  tooke  pleasure  somtime  to  reade  their  workes. 
For  it  followeth  not  of  necessitie,  that  though  the  worke 
delight,  the  workeman  must  needes  be  praysed.  And  so  in 
like  case,  such  things  doe  not  profit  those  which  behold  them, 
bicause  they  doe  not  move  affection  in  the  hartes  of  the 
beholders  to  followe  them,  neither  doe  stirre  up  affection  to 
resemble  them,  and  much  lesse  to  conforme  our  selves  unto 
them.  But  vertue  hath  this  singular  propertie  in  all  her 
actions : that  she  maketh  the  man  that  knoweth  her  to  affect 
her  so,  that  straight  he  liketh  all  her  doings,  and  desireth  to 
followe  those  that  are  vertuous.  For,  as  for  riches,  we  only 
desire  to  have  them  in  possession : but  of  vertue,  we  chiefly 
2 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

love  the  deedes.  Wherefore,  we  are  contented  to  have  goodes  PERICLES 
from  other  men  : but  good  deedes  we  would  other  should 
have  from  us.  For  vertue  is  of  this  power,  that  she  allureth 
a mans  minde  presently  to  use  her,  that  wisely  considereth  of 
her,  and  maketh  him  very  desirous  in  his  harte  to  followe 
her : and  doth  not  frame  his  manners  that  beholdeth  her  by 
any  imitation,  but  by  the  only  understanding  and  knowledge 
of  vertuous  deedes,  which  sodainely  bringeth  unto  him  a re- 
solute desire  to  doe  the  like.  And  this  is  the  reason,  why  me 
thought  I should  continew  still  to  write  on  the  lives  of  noble 
men,  and  why  I made  also  this  tenthe  booke : in  the  which 
are  conteined  the  lives  of  Pericles,  and  Fabius  Maximus,  who 
mainteined  warres  against  Hanniball.  For  they  were  both 
men  very  like  together  in  many  sundry  vertues,  and  specially 
in  curtesie  and  justice : and  for  that  they  could  paciently 
beare  the  follies  of  their  people,  and  companions  that  were 
in  charge  of  government  with  them,  they  were  marvelous 
profitable  members  for  their  countrie.  But  if  we  have  sorted 
them  well  together,  comparing  the  one  with  the  other: 
you  shall  easely  judge  that  reade  our  writings  of  their  lives. 

Pericles  was  of  the  tribe  of  the  Acamantides,  of  the  towne  Pericles 
of  Cholargus,  and  of  one  of  the  best  and  most  auncient  stocke. 
families  of  the  cittie  of  Athens,  both  by  his  father  and 
mother.  For  Xanthippus  his  father  (who  overcame  in  battell 
the  lieutenants  of  the  king  of  Persia  in  the  jorney  of  Mycala) 
maried  Agariste  that  came  of  Clisthenes,  he  who  drave  out 
of  Athens  Pisistratus  ofspring,  and  valliantly  overthrewe  their 
tyrannie.  Afterwards  he  established  lawes,  and  ordeined  a 
very  grave  forme  of  government,  to  mainteine  his  cittizens  in 
peace  and  concorde  together.  This  Agariste  dreamed  one  Pericles 
night,  that  she  was  brought  a bed  of  a lyon : and  very  mothers 
shortely  after  she  was  delivered  of  Pericles,  who  was  so  well  dreame* 
proportioned  in  all  the  partes  of  his  bodie,  that  nothing  could 
be  mended,  saving  that  his  head  was  somwhat  to  long  and  Pericles  had 
out  of  proportion  to  the  rest  of  his  bodie.  And  this  is  the  a l°n£  head, 
only  cause  why  all  the  statues  and  images  of  him  almost,  are 
made  with  a helmet  of  his  head  : bicause  the  workemen  as  it 
should  seeme  (and  so  it  is  most  likely)  were  willing  to  hide 
the  bleamishe  of  his  deformitie.  But  the  Attican  poets  dyd 

3 


PERICLES 


Pericles 
studies  and 
teachers. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

call  him  Schinocephalos,  asmuch  to  saye,  as  headed  like  an 
onyon.  For  those  of  Attica  doe  somtime  name  that  which 
is  called  in  the  vulgar  tongue  Scilla , that  is  to  saye,  an  onyon 
of  barbarie : Schinos.  And  Cratinus  the  Comicall  poet  in 
his  comedie  he  intituled  Chirones , sayed  : 

Olde  Saturne  he,  and  dreadfull  dyre  debate 
begotten  have,  betwene  them  Carnally, 
this  tyranne  here,  this  heavy  jollting  pate, 
in  courte  of  goddes  so  termed  worthely. 

And  againe  also  in  that  which  he  nameth  Nemesis,  speaking 
of  him,  he  sayeth  : 

Come  Iupiter,  come  Iupiter, 

Come  jollthead,  and  come  inkeeper. 

And  Teleclides  mocking  him  also,  sayeth  in  a place : 

Somtimes  he  standes,  amazed  when  he  perceyves, 
that  harde  it  were,  sufficiently  to  knowe, 
in  what  estate,  his  government  he  leaves. 

And  then  will  he*  be  seldome  seene  by  lowe, 

suche  heavy  heapes,  within  his  braynes  doe  growe. 

But  yet  somtimes,  out  of  that  monstruous  pate 
he  thundreth  fast,  and  threatneth  every  state. 

And  Eupolis  in  a comedie  which  he  intituled  Demi : being 
very  inquisitive,  and  asking  particularly  of  every  one  of  the 
Orators  (whom  he  fayned  were  returned  out  of  hell)  when 
they  named  Pericles  the  last  man  unto  him,  he  sayed  : 

Truely  thou  hast  now  brought,  unto  us  here  that  dwell, 

the  chief  of  all  the  captaines,  that  come  from  darksome  hell. 

And  as  for  musicke,  the  most  authors  write,  that  Damon 
dyd  teache  him  musicke,  of  whose  name  (as  men  saye)  they 
should  pronounce  the  first  syllable  shorte.  Howbeit  Aristotle 
sayeth,  that  he  was  taught  musicke  by  Pythoclides.  How- 
soever it  was,  it  is  certaine  that  this  Damon  was  a man  of 
deepe  understanding,  and  subtill  in  matters  of  government : 
for,  to  hide  from  the  people  his  sufficiency  therein,  he  gave 
it  out  he  was  a musitian,  and  dyd  resorte  unto  Pericles,  as  a 
master  wrestler,  or  fenser : but  he  taught  him  howe  he  should 
4 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

deale  in  matters  of  state.  Notwithstanding,  in  the  ende  he 
could  not  so  conningly  convey  this  matter,  but  the  people 
sawe  his  harping  and  musicke,  was  only  a viser  to  his  other 
practise : wherefore  they  dyd  banish  him  Athens  for  five 
yeres,  as  a man  that  busilie  tooke  upon  him  to  chaunge 
the  state  of  things,  and  that  favored  tyrannie.  And  this 
gave  the  Comicall  poets  matter  to  playe  upon  him  finely : 
among  which  Plato  in  a comedie  of  his,  bringeth  in  a man 
that  asketh  him : 

O Chiron,  tell  me  first : art  thou  in  deede  the  man, 

which  dyd  instruct  Pericles  thus  ? make  aunswer  if  thou  can. 

He  was  somtime  also  scholler  to  the  philosopher  Zenon, 
who  was  borne  in  the  cittie  of  Elea,  and  taught  natural! 
philosophic,  as  Parmenides  dyd : but  his  profession  was  to 
thwarte  and  contrary  all  men,  and  to  alledge  a world  of 
objections  in  his  disputation,  which  were  so  intricate,  that 
his  adversarie  replying  against  him,  knewe  not  howe  to 
aunswer  him,  nor  to  conclude  his  argument.  The  which 
Timon  Philiasius  witnesseth  in  these  wordes  : 

Zenon  was  subtill  sure,  and  very  eloquent, 

and  craftilie  could  winde  a man,  by  waye  of  argument, 
if  so  he  were  disposed,  his  cunning  to  descrie, 
or  showe  the  sharpenes  of  his  witt,  to  practise  pollicie. 

But  Anaxagoras  Clazomenian  was  he  that  was  most  familliar 
and  conversaunt  with  him,  and  dyd  put  in  him  the  majestie 
and  gravity  he  shewed  in  all  his  sayings,  and  doings,  who 
dyd  farre  excell  the  common  course  of  ordinarie  Orators  that 
pleaded  before  the  people : and  to  be  shorte,  he  it  was 
that  dyd  facion  his  manners,  altogether  to  carie  that  grave 
countenaunee  which  he  dyd.  For  they  called  Anaxagoras  in 
his  time,  Nus,  as  much  to  saye,  as  understanding.  Either 
bicause  they  had  his  singular  wit  and  capacitie  in  suche  great 
admiration,  being  growen  to  searche  out  the  cause  of  naturall 
things : or  that  he  was  the  first  man,  who  dyd  ascribe  the 
disposition  and  government  of  this  world,  not  unto  fortune 
or  fatall  necessitie,  but  unto  a pure,  simple,  and  understand- 
ing minde,  which  doth  separate  at  the  first  moving  cause,  the 


PERICLES 


Zenon 

Eleatean. 


PERICLES 


Pericles 
manners  and 
behaviour. 


Pericles 

pacience.' 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

substaunce  of  suche  like  partes  as  are  medled  and  compounded 
of  divers  substaunces,  in  all  other  bodies  through  the  world. 
Pericles  made  marvelous  muche  of  Anaxagoras,  who  had 
fully  instructed  him  in  the  knowledge  of  naturall  things,  and 
of  those  specially  that  worke  above  in  the  ayer  and  firmament. 
For  he  grewe  not  only  to  have  a great  minde  and  an  eloquent 
tongue,  without  any  affectation,  or  grosse  countrie  termes : 
but  to  a certen  modest  countenaunce  that  scantly  smyled, 
very  sober  in  his  gate,  having  a kynde  of  sounde  in  his  voyce 
that  he  never  lost  nor  altered,  and  was  of  very  honest  behaviour, 
never  troubled  in  his  talke  for  any  thing  that  crossed  him, 
and  many  other  suche  like  things,  as  all  that  sawe  them  in 
him,  and  considered  them,  could  but  wonder  at  him.  But 
for  proofe  hereof,  the  reporte  goeth,  there  was  a naughty 
busy  fellowe  on  a time,  that  a whole  daye  together  dyd 
nothing  but  rayle  upon  Pericles  in  the  market  place,  and 
revile  him  to  his  face,  with  all  the  villanous  wordes  he  could 
use.  But  Pericles  put  all  up  quietly,  and  gave  him  not  a 
worde  againe,  dispatching  in  the  meane  time  matters  of 
importaunce  he  had  in  hand,  untill  night  came,  that  he  went 
softly  home  to  his  house,  shewing  no  alteration  nor  sem- 
blaunce  of  trouble  at  all,  though  this  lewde  varlet  followed 
him  at  the  heeles,  with  wordes  of  open  defamation.  And  as 
he  was  ready  to  enter  in  at  his  owne  doores,  being  darke 
night,  he  commaunded  one  of  his  men  to  take  a torche,  and 
to  bring  this  man  home  to  his  house.  Yet  the  poet  Ion 
sayeth,  that  Pericles  was  a very  prowde  man,  and  a stately, 
and  that  with  his  gravity  and  noble  minde,  there  was  mingled 
a certaine  scorne  and  contempt  of  other : and  contrarilie,  he 
greatly  prayseth  the  civillitie,  humanitie,  and  curtesie  of 
Cimon,  bicause  he  could  facion  him  selfe  to  all  companies. 
But  letting  passe  that  which  the  poet  Ion  sayed : who 
would  that  vertue  should  be  full  of  tragicall  discipline, 
bringing  in  with  it,  a certaine  satyricall  discourse  to  move 
laughture.  Nowe  Zennon  contrariwise  dyd  counsell  all  those, 
that  sayd  Pericles  gravity  was  a presumption,  and  arrogancie: 
that  they  should  also  followe  him  in  his  presumption.  For, 
to  counterfeate  in  that  sorte  things  honest  and  vertuous, 
doth  secretly  with  time  breede  an  affection  and  desire  to  love 
6 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

them,  and  afterwardes  with  custome  even  effectually  to  use  PERICLES 

and  followe  them.  So  Pericles  by  keeping  Anaxagoras  com-  The  benefit 

pany,  dyd  not  onely  profit  him  selfe  in  these  things,  but  he  of  naturall 

learned  besides  to  put  awaye  all  superstitious  feare,  of  philosophic. 

celestiall  signes  and  impressions  seene  in  the  ayer.  For  to 

those  that  are  ignoraunte  of  the  causes  thereof,  suche  sights 

are  terrible,  and  to  the  godly  also  feareful,  as  if  they  were 

utterly  undone : and  all  is,  bicause  they  have  no  certaine 

knowledge  of  the  reason  that  naturall  philosophy  yeldeth, 

which  in  steade  of  a fearefull  superstition,  would  bring  a true 

religion  accompanied  with  assured  hope  of  goodnes.  Some 

saye  a man  brought  Pericles  one  daye  from  his  farme  out  of 

the  countrie,  a rammes  head  that  had  but  one  home,  and  What  was 

that  the  prognosticator  Lampon  considering  this  head,  that  signified  by 

had  but  one  strong  home  in  the  middest  of  his  forehead,  head^at  h*ad 

interpreted,  that  this  was  the  signification  thereof.  That  but  one  home, 

being  two  tribes  and  severall  factions  in  the  cittie  of  Athens  and  was  found 

touching  government,  the  one  of  Pericles,  and  the  other  of  in  Pericles 

Thucydides : the  power  of  both  should  be  brought  into  one,  grounde- 

and  specially  into  his  parte,  in  whose  house  this  signe  dyd 

happen.  Further,  it  is  sayed  that  Anaxagoras  being  present, 

dyd  cause  the  rammes  head  to  be  cloven  in  two  peces,  and 

shewed  unto  them  that  stoode  by,  that  the  brayne  of  this 

ramme  dyd  not  fill  the  panne  of  his  naturall  place,  but 

inclosed  it  selfe  in  all  partes,  being  narrowe  like  the  poynte 

of  an  egge,  in  that  parte  where  the  home  tooke  his  first 

roote  of  budding  out.  So  Anaxagoras  was  marvelously 

esteemed  at  that  present  by  all  those  that  stoode  by : but  so 

was  Lampon,  sone  after  that  Thucydides  was  driven  awaye, 

and  that  the  government  of  the  whole  common  weale  fell 

into  the  handes  of  Pericles  alone.  And  it  is  not  to  be 

wondred  at  (in  my  opinion)  that  the  naturall  philosopher 

and  the  prognosticator  dyd  rightly  mete  together  in  trothe : 

the  one  directly  telling  the  cause,  and  the  other  the  ende  of 

the  event  as  it  fell  out.  For  the  profession  of  the  one,  is  to 

knowe  howe  it  commeth  : and  of  the  other,  wherefore  it 

commeth,  and  to  foretell  what  it  betokeneth.  For  where 

some  saye,  that  to  shewe  the  cause,  is  to  take  awaye  the 

signification  of  the  signe : they  do  not  consider  that  in 


PERICLES 


Pericles 
likened  to 
Pisistratus.' 


Pericles  first 
beginning  to 
deale  in  the 
common 
wealth. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

seeking  to  abolishe  by  this  reason  the  wonderfull  tokens  and 
signes  in  the  ayer,  they  doe  take  awaye  those  also  which  are 
done  by  arte.  As  the  noyse  of  basons,  the  lightes  of  fyre  by 
the  sea  side,  and  the  shadowes  of  nedles  or  pointes  of  dyalles 
in  the  sunne : all  which  things  are  done  by  some  cause  and 
handyworke,  to  be  a signe  and  token  of  some  thing.  But 
this  argument  peradventure  maye  serve  better  in  another 
booke.  And  nowe  againe  to  Pericles.  Whilest  he  was  yet 
but  a young  man,  the  people  stoode  in  awe  of  him,  bicause 
he  somwhat  resembled  Pisistratus  in  his  countenaunce : and 
the  auncientest  men  of  the  cittie  also  were  muche  afeard  of  his 
softe  voyce,  his  eloquent  tongue,  and  ready  utteraunce,  bicause 
in  those  he  was  Pisistratus  up  and  downe.  Moreover  he  was 
very  riche  and  wealthy,  and  of  one  of  the  noblest  families 
of  the  cittie,  and  those  were  his  friendes  also  that  caried 
the  only  swaye  and  authoritie  in  the  state : whereupon,  fear- 
ing least  they  would  banishe  him  with  the  banishement  of 
Ostracismon , he  would  not  medle  with  government  in  any 
case,  although  otherwise  he  shewed  him  selfe  in  warres  very 
valliant  and  forward,  and  feared  not  to  venter  his  persone. 
But  after  that  Aristides  was  dead,  that  Themistocles  was 
driven  awaye,  and  that  Cimon  being  ever  in  service  in  the 
warres  as  generall  in  forreine  countries,  was  a long  time  out 
of  Grece : then  he  came  to  leane  to  the  tribe  of  the  poore 
people,  preferring  the  multitude  of  the  poore  communaltie, 
above  the  small  number  of  Nobilitie  and  riche  men,  the  which 
was  directly  against  his  nature.  For  of  him  selfe  he  was  not 
popular,  nor  meanely  geven : but  he  dyd  it  (as  it  should 
seeme)  to  avoyde  suspition,  that  he  should  pretend  to  make 
him  selfe  King.  And  bicause  he  sawe  Cimon  was  inclined 
also  to  take  parte  with  the  Nobilitie,  and  that  he  was  singu- 
larly beloved  and  liked  of  all  the  honester  sorte : he  to  the 
contrarie  enclined  to  the  common  people,  purchasing  by  this 
meanes  safety  to  him  selfe,  and  authoritie  against  Cimon.  So 
he  presently  beganne  a newe  course  of  life,  since  he  had  taken 
upon  him  to  deale  in  matters  of  state : for  they  never  sawe 
him  afterwardes  at  any  time  goe  into  the  cittie,  but  to  the 
market  place,  or  to  the  Senate  house.  He  gave  up  going 
to  all  feastes  where  he  was  bidden,  and  left  the  entertainment 
8 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

of  his  friendes,  their  company  and  familiaritie.  So  that  in  PERICLES 
all  his  time  wherein  he  governed  the  common  weale,  which  To  much 
was  a long  time,  he  never  went  out  to  supper  to  any  of  familiaritie 
his  friendes,  unles  it  were  that  he  was  once  at  a feast  treedeth 
at  his  nephew  Euryptolemus  mariage : and  then  he  taried  co  ^ * 
there  no  longer,  but  while  the  ceremonie  was  a doing,  when 
they  offer  wine  to  the  goddes,  and  so  he  rose  from  the  table. 

For  these  friendly  meetings  at  suche  feastes,  doe  much  abase 
any  counterfeate  majestie  or  set  countenaunce  : and  he  shall 
have  much  a doe  to  keepe  gravity  and  reputation,  shewing 
familiaritie  to  every  knowen  friende  in  such  open  places. 

For  in  perfect  vertue,  those  things  truely  are  ever  most 
excellent,  which  be  most  common  : and  in  good  and  vertuous 
men  there  is  nothing  more  admirable  unto  straungers,  then 
their  dayely  conversation  is  to  their  friendes.  Pericles  nowe 
to  prevent  that  the  people  should  not  be  glutted  with  seeing 
him  to  ofte,  nor  that  they  should  come  much  to  him : they 
dyd  see  him  but  at  some  times,  and  then  he  would  not  talke 
in  every  matter,  neither  came  muche  abroade  among  them, 
but  reserved  him  selfe  (as  Critolaus  sayed  they  kept  the  Sala- 
minian  galley  at  Athens)  for  matters  of  great  importaunce. 

And  in  the  meane  season,  in  other  matters  of  small  moment, 
he  delt  by  meanes  of  certaine  orators  his  familliar  friendes, 
amongest  whom  Ephialtes  (as  they  saye)  was  one : he  who  Ephialtes  an 
tooke  awaye  the  authoritie  and  power  from  the  courte  of  orator. 
Areopagus,  and  dyd  geve  to  muche  libertie  to  the  people,  as 
Plato  sayed.  Upon  which  occasion,  as  the  Comicall  poets 
saye,  he  became  so  stowte  and  head  strong,  that  they  could 
no  more  holde  him  backe,  then  a yomige  unbrideled  colte : 
and  tooke  such  a corage  upon  him,  that  he  would  obaye  no 
more,  but  invaded  the  lie  of  Euboea,  and  set  upon  the  other 
Ilandes.  Pericles  also  bicause  he  would  facion  a phrase  of 
speache,  with  a kynde  of  style  altogether  agreable  to  the 
manner  of  life  and  gravitie  he  had  taken  upon  him  : he  gave 
him  selfe  to  all  matters  which  he  had  learned  of  Anaxagoras, 
shadowing  his  reasons  of  naturall  philosophic,  with  artificial! 
rethoricke.  For  having  obteined  a deepe  understanding  by 
studying  of  philosophic,  and  a ready  waye  effectually  to 
ende  any  matter,  he  undertoke  to  prove  (besides  that  nature 
2 : B 9 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

PERICLES  had  endued  him  with  an  excellent  witte  and  capacitie,  as  the 
divine  Plato  doth  write,  to  bring  any  thing  to  serve  his  pur- 
pose) he  dyd  so  artificially  compasse  it  with  eloquence,  that 
he  farre  passed  all  the  orators  in  his  time.  And  for  this  cause 
Why  Pericles  was  he  (as  they  saye)  surnamed  Olympius,  as  muche  to  saye, 
was  surnamed  as  heavenly  or  divine.  But  some  are  of  opinion  he  had  that 
Olympius.  surname,  by  reason  of  the  common  buildings  and  stately 
workes  he  raysed  up  in  the  cittie  of  Athens,  that  dyd  muche 
set  forth  the  same.  Other  thinke  it  was  geven  him  for  his 
great  authoritie  and  power  he  had  in  government,  aswell  in 
warres,  as  in  peace.  But  it  is  no  marvaill  that  this  glorie 
was  geven  him,  considering  the  many  other  qualities  and 
vertues  that  were  in  him.  Howbeit  the  comedies  the  Poetes 
caused  to  be  played  in  those  times  (in  which  there  were  many 
wordes  spoken  of  him,  some  in  earnest,  some  in  sporte  and 
jeast)  doe  witnesse  that  he  had  that  surname  geven  him, 
chiefly  for  his  eloquence.  For  it  is  reported,  that  he 
thundered  and  lightened  in  his  oration  to  the  people,  and 
that  his  tongue  was  a terrible  lightning.  And  touching  this 
matter,  they  tell  of  an  aunswer  Thucydides,  Milesius  sonne, 
should  pleasauntly  make  concerning  the  force  of  Pericles 
eloquence.  Thucydides  was  a noble  man,  and  had  long 
time  contended  against  Pericles  in  matters  of  the  common 
weale.  Archidamus,  king  of  Lacedaemon,  asked  Thucydides 
on  a time : whether  he  or  Pericles  wrestled  best.  Thu- 
cydides made  him  aunswer:  When  I have  geven  him  an 
open  fall  before  the  face  of  the  world,  he  can  so  excellently 
deny  it,  that  he  maketh  the  people  beleeve  he  had  no  fall  at 
•all,  and  persuadeth  them  the  contrarie  of  that  they  sawe. 
Notwithstanding  he  was  ever  very  grave  and  wise  in  speaking. 
For  ever  when  he  went  up  into  the  pulpit  for  orations  to 
speake  to  the  people,  he  made  his  prayers  unto  the  goddes, 
that  nothing  might  escape  his  mouthe,  but  that  he  might 
consider  before  whether  it  would  serve  the  purpose  of  his 
matter  he  treated  on : yet  are  there  none  of  his  workes 
extant  in  writing,  unles  it  be  some  fewe  lawes  he  made,  and 
but  very  fewe  of  his  notable  sayings  are  brought  to  light, 
Pericles  save  only  these.  He  sayed  on  a time  that  they  must  take 
sayings.  awaye  the  cittie  of  J£gina,  bicause  it  was  a strawe  lying  in  the 
10 


Thucydides, 

Pericles 

adversarie. 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

eye  of  the  haven  Piraea.  And  another  time,  he  sayed  that 
he  saw  the  warres  a farre  of,  comming  from  Peloponnesus. 
Another  time,  as  he  tooke  shippe  with  Sophocles  (his  com- 
panion in  commission  with  him  as  generall  of  the  armie)  who 
commended  a fayer  young  boye  they  met  as  they  came  to 
the  haven  : Sophocles,  sayed  he,  a governour  must  not  only 
have  his  handes,  but  also  his  eyes  cleane.  And  Stesimbrotus 
writeth,  that  in  a funerall  oration  he  made  in  the  prayse  of 
those  that  were  slaine  in  the  warre  of  Samos  : he  sayed  they 
were  immortall  as  the  goddes.  For  we  doe  not  see  the 
goddes  (sayed  he)  as  they  be,  but  for  the  honour  that  is  done 
to  them,  and  the  great  happines  they  enjoy e,  we  doe  con- 
jecture they  are  immortall : and  the  same  things  are  in  those 
that  dye  in  service,  and  defence  of  their  countrie.  Nowe 
where  Thucydides  doth  write  the  government  of  the  common 
weale  under  Pericles  to  be  as  a government  of  Nobilitie,  and 
yet  had  apparaunce  of  a popular  state : it  is  true  that  in 
effect  it  was  a Kingdome,  bicause  one  alone  dyd  rule  and 
go verne  the  whole  state.  And  many  other  saye  also,  he  was 
the  first  that  brought  in  the  custome  to  devide  the  enemies 
landes  wonne  by  conquest  among  the  people,  and  of  the 
common  money  to  make  the  people  see  playes  and  pastimes, 
and  that  appointed  them  rewarde  for  all  things.  But  this 
custome  was  ill  brought  up.  For  the  common  people  that 
before  were  contented  with  litle,  and  got  their  living  payne- 
fully  with  swet  of  their  browes : became  nowe  to  be  very 
vaine,  sumptuous,  and  riotous,  by  reason  of  these  things 
brought  up  then.  The  cause  of  the  alteration  doth  easely 
appeare  by  those  things.  For  Pericles  at  his  first  comming, 
sought  to  winne  the  favour  of  the  people,  as  we  have  sayed 
before,  only  to  get  like  reputation  that  Cimon  had  wonne. 
But  comming  farre  shorte  of  his  wealthe  and  abilitie,  to  carie 
out  the  porte  and  charge  that  Cimon  dyd,  entertaining  the 
poore,  keeping  open  house  to  all  commers,  clothing  poore 
olde  people,  breaking  open  besides  all  inclosures  and  pales 
through  all  his  landes,  that  every  one  might  with  more 
libertie  come  in,  and  take  the  fruites  thereof  at  their 
pleasure : and  seeing  him  selfe  by  these  great  meanes  out 
gone  farre  in  good  will  with  the  common  people,  by 

11 


PERICLES 


Pericles 

common 

wealthe. 


The  good 
deedes  of 
Cimon. 


PERICLES 


Pericles  large 
distribution 
diminished 
the  Areopagit 
authoritie. 


Pericles 
causeth 
Cimon  to  be 
banished 
Athens. 


The  Ostra- 
cismon. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

Demonides  counsell  and  procurement  (who  was  borne  in  the 
He  of  Ios)  he  brought  in  this  distribution  of  the  common 
money,  as  Aristotle  writeth.  And  having  wonne  in  a shorte 
time  the  favour  and  good  will  of  the  common  people,  by 
distribution  of  the  common  treasure,  which  he  caused  to  be 
devided  among  them,  aswell  to  have  place  to  see  these  playes, 
as  for  that  they  had  rewarde  to  be  present  at  the  judgementes, 
and  by  other  suche  like  corruptions : he  with  the  peoples 
helpe,  dyd  invey  against  the  courte  of  the  Areopagites, 
wherof  he  never  was  any  member.  For  it  never  came  to  be 
his  happe  to  be  yerely  governour,  nor  keeper  of  the  lawes, 
nor  King  of  the  sacrifices,  nor  master  of  the  warres:  all 
which  were  offices  chosen  in  auncient  time  by  lot.  And 
further,  those  on  whom  the  lot  fell,  if  they  had  behaved 
them  selves  well  in  their  office,  they  were  called  forwards,  and 
raised  to  be  of  the  bodie  of  this  courte  of  the  Areopa- 
gites. Pericles  nowe  by  these  meanes  having  obteined  great 
credit  and  authoritie  amongest  the  common  people,  he 
troubled  the  Senate  of  the  Areopagites  in  suche  sorte,  that  he 
pluckt  many  matters  from  their  hearing,  by  Ephialtes  helpe  : 
and  in  time  made  Cimon  to  be  banished  Athens,  as  one  that 
favored  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  contraried  the  common 
weal  the  and  authoritie  of  the  people.  Notwithstanding  he 
was  the  noblest  and  richest  persone  of  all  the  cittie,  and  one 
that  had  wonne  so  many  glorious  victories,  and  had  so  re- 
plenished Athens  with  the  conquered  spoyles  of  their  enemies, 
as  we  have  declared  in  his  life : so  great  was  the  authoritie 
of  Pericles  amongest  the  people.  Nowe  the  banishment 
wherewith  he  was  punished  (which  they  called  Ostracismon ) 
was  limited  by  the  lawe  for  tenne  yeres.  In  which  space  the 
Lacedaemonians  being  come  downe  with  a great  armie  into 
the  countrie  of  Tanagra,  the  Athenians  sent  out  their  power 
presently  against  them.  There  Cimon  willing  to  shewe  the 
Athenians  by  his  deedes,  that  they  had  falsely  accused  him 
for  favoring  the  Lacedaemonians  : dyd  arme  him  self,  and 
went  on  his  country  mens  side,  to  fight  in  the  companie  of 
his  tribe.  But  Pericles  friends  gathered  together,  and  forced 
Cimon  to  departe  thence  as  a banished  man.  And  this  was 
the  cause  that  Pericles  fought  that  daye  more  valliantly  then 
12 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

ever  he  dyd,  and  he  wanne  the  honour  and  name  to  have  PERICLES 
done  more  in  the  persone  of  him  selfe  that  daye,  then  any 
other  of  all  the  armie.  At  that  battell  also,  all  Cimons 
friends,  whom  Pericles  had  burdened  likewise  to  favour  the 
Lacedaemonians  doings,  dyed  every  man  of  them  that  daye. 

Then  the  Athenians  repented  them  much  that  they  had 

driven  Cimon  away,  and  wished  he  were  restored,  after  they 

had  lost  this  battell  upon  the  confines  of  the  countrie  of 

Attica : bicause  they  feared  sharpe  warres  would  come  upon 

them  againe  at  the  next  spring.  Which  thing  when  Pericles 

perceyved,  he  sought  also  to  further  that  the  common  people 

desired : wherefore  he  straight  caused  a decree  to  be  made, 

that  Cimon  should  be  called  home  againe,  which  was  done  Pericles 

accordingly.  Now  when  Cimon  was  returned,  he  advised  that  jalleth  Cimon 

peace  should  be  made  betwene  both  citties  : for  the  Lacedae-  rom  exi  e* 

monians  dyd  love  Cimon  very  well,  and  contrarily  they  hated 

Pericles,  and  all  other  govemours.  Some  notwithstanding 

doe  write,  that  Pericles  dyd  never  passe  his  consent  to  call 

him  home  againe,  before  suche  time  as  they  had  made  a 

secret  agreement  amongest  them  selves  (by  meanes  of  Elpinice 

Cimons  sister)  that  Cimon  should  be  sent  out  with  an  armie 

of  two  hundred  galleys,  to  make  warres  in  the  king  of  Persia 

his  dominions,  and  that  Pericles  should  remaine  at  home  with 

the  authoritie  of  government  within  the  cittie.  This  Elpinice 

(Cimons  sister)  had  once  before  intreated  Pericles  for  her 

brother,  at  such  time  as  he  was  accused  before  the  judge  of 

treason.  Por  Pericles  was  one  of  the  committees,  to  whom 

this  accusation  was  referred  by  the  people.  Elpinice  went 

unto  him,  and  besought  him  not  to  doe  his  worst  unto  her 

brother.  Pericles  aunswered  her  merilie : Thou  art  to  old 

Elpinice,  thou  art  to  olde,  to  goe  through  with  these  matters. 

Yet  when  his  matter  came  to  judgement,  and  that  his  cause 
was  pleaded  : he  rose  but  once  to  speake  against  him  (for  his 
owne  discharge  as  it  were)  and  went  his  waye  when  he  had 
sayed,  doing  lesse  hurte  to  Cimon,  then  any  other  of  his  Pericles 
accusers.  How  is  Idomeneus  to  be  credited  nowe,  who  moderation 
accuseth  Pericles  that  he  had  caused  the  orator  Ephialtes  to  unt0  imon‘ 
be  slaine  by  treason  (that  was  his  friende,  and  dyd  allwayes 
counsell  him,  and  take  his  parte  in  all  kinde  of  government 

13 


PERICLES 


The  murther 
of  Ephialtes. 


Thucydides 
Pericles  ad- 
versary in  the 
common 
wealth. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

of  the  common  weale)  only  for  the  jealousie  and  envie  he  dyd 
beare  to  his  glorie  ? I can  but  muse  why  Idomeneus  should 
speake  so  slaunderously  against  Pericles,  unles  it  were  that 
his  melancholy  humour  procured  suche  violent  speache  : who 
though  peradventure  he  was  not  altogether  blameles,  yet  he 
was  ever  nobly  minded,  and  had  a naturall  desire  of  honour, 
in  which  kinde  of  men  such  furious  cruell  passions  are  seldome 
seene  to  breede.  But  this  orator  Ephialtes  being  cruell  to 
those  that  tooke  parte  with  the  Nobilitie,  bicause  he  would 
spare  nor  pardone  no  man  for  any  offence  whatsoever  com- 
mitted against  the  peoples  authoritie,  but  dyd  followe  and 
persecute  them  with  all  rigour  to  the  uttermost : his  enemies 
layed  waite  for  him  by  meanes  of  one  Aristodicus  Tanagrian, 
and  they  killed  him  by  treason,  as  Aristotle  writeth.  In  the 
meane  time  Cimon  dyed  in  the  He  of  Cyprus,  being  generall 
of  the  armie  of  the  Athenians  by  sea.  Wherefore  those  that 
tooke  parte  with  the  Nobilitie,  seeing  Pericles  was  nowe 
growen  very  great,  and  that  he  went  before  all  other  cittizens 
of  Athens,  thincking  it  good  to  have  some  one  to  sticke  on 
their  side  against  him,  and  to  lessen  thereby  somewhat  his 
authoritie,  that  he  might  not  come  to  rule  all  as  he  would  : 
they  raised  up  against  him,  one  Thucydides,  of  the  towne  of 
Alopecia,  a grave  wise  man,  and  father  in  lawe  to  Cimon. 
This  Thucydides  had  lesse  skill  of  warres  then  Cimon,  but 
understoode  more  in  civill  government  then  he,  for  that  he 
remained  most  parte  of  his  time  within  the  cittie  : where 
continually  invaying  against  Pericles  in  his  pulpit  for  ora- 
tions to  the  people,  in  shorte  time  he  had  stirred  up  a like 
companie  against  the  faction  of  Pericles.  For  he  kept  the 
gentlemen  and  richer  sorte  (which  they  call  Nobilitie)  from 
mingling  with  the  common  people,  as  they  were  before,  when 
through  the  multitude  of  the  commons  their  estate  and 
dignitie  was  abscured,  and  troden  under  foote.  Moreover  he 
dyd  separate  them  from  the  people,  and  dyd  assemble  them 
all  as  it  were  into  one  bodie,  who  came  to  be  of  equall  power 
with  the  other  faction,  and  dyd  put  (as  a man  will  saye)  a 
counterpease  into  the  bal lance.  For  at  the  beginning  there 
was  but  a litle  secret  grudge  only  betwene  these  two  factions, 
as  an  artificiall  flower  set  in  the  blade  of  a sworde,  which 
14 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

made  those  shewe  a title,  that  dyd  leane  unto  the  people  : PERICLES 
and  the  other  also  somwhat  that  favored  the  Nobilitie.  But 
the  contention  betwene  these  two  persones,  was  as  a deepe 
cut,  which  devided  the  cittie  wholy  in  two  factions  : of  the 
which  the  one  was  called  the  Nobilitie,  and  the  other  the 
communaltie.  Therefore  Pericles  geving  yet  more  libertie 
unto  the  people,  dyd  all  things  that  might  be  to  please  them, 
ordeining  continuall  playes  and  games  in  the  cittie,  many 
feastes,  banckets,  and  open  pastimes  to  entertaine  the  com- 
mons with  suche  honest  pleasures  and  devises  : and  besides 
all  this,  he  sent  yerely  an  armie  of  three  score  gallyes  unto 
the  warres,  into  the  which  he  put  a great  number  of  poore 
cittizens  that  tooke  paye  of  the  state  for  nine  moneths  of  the 
yere,  and  thereby  they  dyd  learne  together,  and  practise  to 
be  good  sea  men.  Furthermore  he  sent  into  the  countrie 
of  Cherronesus,  a thousand  free  men  of  the  cittie  to  dwell 
there,  and  to  devide  the  landes  amongest  them  : five  hundred 
also  into  the  He  of  Naxos  : into  the  lie  of  Andros,  two  hun- 
dred and  fiftie : into  Thracia,  a thousand  to  dwell  with  the 
Bisaltes : and  other  also  into  Italie,  when  the  cittie  of  Sybaris 
was  built  againe,  which  afterwardes  was  surnamed  the  cittie  of 
the  Thurians.  All  this  he  dyd  to  ryd  the  cittie  of  a number  A politicke 
of  idle  people,  who  through  idlenes  beganne  to  be  curious,  care  for  idle 
and  to  desire  chaunge  of  things,  as  also  to  provide  for  the  Persones* 
necessitie  of  the  poore  townes  men  that  had  nothing.  For, 
placing  the  naturall  cittizens  of  Athens  neere  unto  their  sub- 
jects and  friendes,  they  served  as  a garrison  to  keepe  them 
under,  and  dyd  suppresse  them  also  from  attempting  any 
alteration  or  chaunge.  But  that  which  deliteth  most,  and 
is  the  greatest  ornament  unto  the  cittie  of  Athens,  which 
maketh  straungers  most  to  wonder,  and  which  alone  doth 
bring  sufficient  testimonie,  to  confirme  that  which  is  reported 
of  the  auncient  power,  riches,  and  great  wealthe  of  Grece, 
to  be  true  and  not  false  : are  the  stately  and  sumptuous  Sumptuous 
buildings,  which  Pericles  made  to  be  built  in  the  cittie  of  buildings 
Athens.  For  it  is  the  only  acte  of  all  other  Pericles  dyd,  erected  by 
and  which  made  his  enemies  most  to  spight  him,  and  which  1 enc  es‘ 
they  most  accused  him  for,  crying  out  upon  him  in  all  coun- 
sailles  and  assemblies  : that  the  people  of  Athens  were  openly 

15 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

PERICLES  defamed,  for  carying  awaye  the  ready  money  of  all  Grece, 
which  was  left  in  the  He  of  Delos  to  be  safely  kept  there. 
And  although  they  could  with  good  honestie  have  excused 
this  facte,  saying  that  Pericles  had  taken  it  from  them,  for 
feare  of  the  Barbarous  people,  to  the  ende  to  laye  it  up  in  a 
more  stronger  place,  where  it  should  be  in  better  safetie : yet 
was  this  to  overgreat  an  injurie  offered  unto  all  the  rest  of 
Grece,  and  to  manifest  a token  of  tyrannie  also,  to  beholde 
before  their  eyes,  howe  we  doe  employe  the  money,  which  they 
were  inforced  to  gather  for  the  maintenaunce  of  the  warres 
against  the  barbarous  people,  in  gilding,  building,  and  setting 
forth  our  cittie,  like  a glorious  woman,  all  to  be  gawded  with 
golde  and  precious  stones,  and  howe  we  doe  make  images,  and 
build  up  temples  of  wonderfull  and  infinite  charge.  Pericles 
replied  to  the  contrarie,  and  declared  unto  the  Athenians 
that  they  were  not  bounde  to  make  any  accompt  of  this  money 
unto  their  friendes  and  allies,  considering  that  they  fought 
for  their  safety,  and  that  they  kept  the  barbarous  people 
farre  from  Grece,  without  troubling  them  to  set  out  any  one 
man,  horse,  or  shippe  of  theirs,  the  money  only  excepted, 
which  is  no  more  theirs  that  payed  it,  then  theirs  that 
receyved  it,  so  they  bestowe  it  to  that  use  they  receyved  it 
for.  And  their  cittie  being  already  very  well  furnished, 
and  provided  of  all  things  necessary  for  the  warres,  it  was 
good  reason  they  should  employe  and  bestowe  the  surplus  of 
the  treasure  in  things,  which  in  time  to  come  (and  being 
throughly  finished)  would  make  their  fame  eternall.  More- 
over he  sayed  that  whilest  they  continue  building,  they  should 
be  presently  riche,  by  reason  of  the  diversitie  of  workes  of 
all  sortes,  and  other  things  which  they  should  have  neede  of : 
and  to  compasse  these  things  the  better,  and  to  set  them  in 
hande,  all  manner  of  artificers  and  worke  men  (that  would 
labour)  should  be  set  a worke.  So  should  all  the  townes 
men,  and  inhabitants  of  the  cittie,  receyve  paye  and  wages  of 
the  common  treasure : and  the  cittie  by  this  meanes  should  be 
greatly  beawtified,  and  muche  more  able  to  mainteine  it  selfe. 
For  suche  as  were  stronge,  and  able  men  of  bodie,  and  of 
yeres  to  carie  weapon,  had  paye  and  entertainment  of  the 
common  wealthe,  which  were  sent  abroade  unto  the  warres : 

16 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

and  other  that  were  not  meete  for  warres,  as  craftes  men, 
and  labourers : he  would  also  they  should  have  parte  of  the 
common  treasure,  but  not  without  they  earned  it,  and  by 
doing  somwhat.  And  this  was  his  reason,  and  the  cause 
that  made  him  occupie  the  common  people  with  great  build- 
ings, and  devises  of  works  of  divers  occupations,  which  could 
not  be  finished  of  long  time : to  the  ende  that  the  cittizens 
remaining  at  home,  might  have  a meane  and  waye  to  take 
parte  of  the  common  treasure,  and  enriche  them  selves, 
aswell  as  those  that  went  to  the  warres,  and  served  on  the 
sea,  or  els  that  laye  in  garrison  to  keepe  any  place  or  forte. 
For  some  gayned  by  bringing  stuffe : as  stones,  brasse,  y vory, 
gold,  ebbany,  and  cypres.  Other  got,  to  worke  and  facion 
it : as  carpinters,  gravers,  fownders,  casters  of  images,  masons, 
hewers  of  stone,  dyers,  goldsmithes,  joyners  working  in 
yvorie,  painters,  men  that  set  in  sundrie  cullers  of  peces  of 
stone  or  wodde,  and  turners.  Other  gayned  to  bring  stuffe, 
and  to  furnishe  them : as  marchaunts,  mariners,  and  shippe- 
masters,  for  things  they  brought  them  by  sea.  And  by 
lande  other  got  also : as  carte  makers,  cariers,  carters,  corde 
makers,  sadlers,  coller-makers,  and  pyoners  to  make  wayes 
plaine,  and  miners,  and  such  like.  Furthermore,  every 
science  and  crafte,  as  a captaine  having  souldiers,  had  also 
their  armie  of  the  worke  men  that  served  them,  labouring 
truely  for  their  living,  who  served  as  prentises  and  jorney 
men  under  the  workemasters : so  the  worke  by  this  meanes 
dyd  disperse  abroade  a common  gayne  to  all  sortes  of  people 
and  ages,  what  occupation  or  trade  soever  they  had.  And 
thus  came  the  buildings  to  rise  in  greatnes  and  sumptuous- 
nes,  being  of  excellent  workemanshippe,  and  for  grace  and 
beawtie  not  comparable : bicause  every  workeman  in  his 
science  dyd  strive  what  he  could  to  excell  others,  to  make 
his  worke  appeare  greatest  in  sight,  and  to  be  most  worke- 
manly  done  in  showe.  But  the  greatest  thing  to  be  woundred 
at,  was  their  speede  and  diligence.  For  where  every  man 
thought  those  workes  were  not  likely  to  be  finished  in  many 
mens  lives  and  ages,  and  from  man  to  man : they  were  all 
done  and  finished,  whilest  one  only  govemour  continued  still 
in  credit  and  authoritie.  And  yet  they  saye,  that  in  the 
2:C  17 


PERICLES 


Divers 
artificers 
at  Athens. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

PERICLES  same  time,  as  one  Agatarchus  boasted  him  self,  that  he 
had  quickly  painted  certen  beastes : Zeuxis  another  painter 
hearing  him,  aunswered : And  I contrarilie  doe  rejoy ce, 
that  I am  a long  time  in  drawing  of  them.  For  commonly 
slight  and  sodaine  drawing  of  any  thing,  cannot  take  deepe 
cullers,  nor  geve  perfect  beawty  to  the  worke : but  length  of 
time,  adding  to  the  painters  diligence  and  labour  in  making 
of  the  worke,  maketh  the  cullers  to  continue  for  ever.  For 
this  cause  therefore  the  workes  Pericles  made,  are  more 
wonderfull : bicause  they  were  perfectly  made  in  so  shorte 
a time,  and  have  continued  so  long  a season.  For  every 
one  of  those  which  were  finished  up  at  that  time,  seemed 
then  to  be  very  auncient  touching  the  beawtie  thereof : and 
yet  for  the  grace  and  continuance  of  the  same,  it  looketh  at 
this  daye  as  if  it  were  but  newly  done  and  finished,  there  is 
suche  a certaine  kynde  of  fiorishing  freshnes  in  it,  which 
letteth  that  the  injurie  of  time  cannot  impaire  the  sight 
thereof : As  if  every  one  of  those  foresaid  workes,  had  some 
living  spirite  in  it,  to  make  it  seeme  young  and  freshe : and 
a soule  that  lived  ever,  which  kept  them  in  their  good  con- 
tinuing state.  Now  the  chief  survey  our  generall  of  all  these 
workes,  was  Phidias,  albeit  that  there  were  many  other  ex- 
cellent worke  masters  in  every  science  and  occupation.  For 
the  temple  of  Pallas,  which  is  called  Parthenon  (as  a man 
would  saye,  the  temple  of  the  virgine,  and  is  surnamed 
Hecatompedon,  for  that  it  is  a hundred  foote  every  waye) 
was  built  by  Ictinus,  and  Callicrates:  and  the  chappell  of 
Eleusin  (where  the  secret  ceremonies  of  the  mysteries  were 
made)  was  first  founded  by  Coraebus,  who  raised  up  the  first 
pillers  in  order,  standing  beneath  on  the  ground,  and  dyd 
set  them  up  unto  the  master  chaptrells.  But  after  he  was 
dead,  Metagenes,  borne  in  the  towne  of  Xypeta,  turned  the 
arches  over,  and  then  dyd  set  the  pillers  in  order  also  which 
are  above : and  Xenocles  of  the  towne  of  Cholargea,  was  he 
that  made  the  lanterne  or  toppe  of  the  steeple  which  covereth 
the  sanctuarie:  but  the  long  wall  which  Socrates  heard 
Pericles  him  selfe  geve  order  for  the  building  of  it,  was 
done  by  Callicrates,  who  undertooke  the  worke.  Cratinus 
the  Poet,  in  a comedie  he  made,  laugheth  at  this  worke, 
18 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

to  see  how  slowly  it  went  forward,  and  how  long  it  was 
a doing,  saying : 

Pericles  long  a goe,  dyd  ende  this  worke  begonne  : 
and  build  it  highe,  with  glorious  wordes,  if  so  it  had  bene  done. 

And  as  for  deedes  (in  dede)  he  built  nothing  at  all, 

but  let  it  stande  : as  yet  it  stands,  much  liker  for  to  fall. 

And  as  for  the  Theater  or  place  appointed  for  musicke, 
where  they  heare  all  musitians  playe,  and  is  called  Odeon : 
it  is  very  well  made  within  with  divers  seates  and  degrees, 
and  many  ranges  of  pillers,  but  the  toppe  of  the  roofe  is 
altogether  rounde,  which  is  somwhat  hanging  downeward 
round  about  of  it  selfe,  comming  together  into  one  pointe. 
And  it  is  sayed  that  this  was  made  after  the  patterne  and 
facion  of  king  Xerxes  royall  pavilion,  and  that  Pericles  was 
the  first  deviser  and  maker  of  it.  Wherefore  Cratinus  in 
another  place  of  his  comedie  he  maketh  of  the  Thracians, 
doth  playe  very  pretily  upon  him,  saying : 

Pericles  here  doth  come,  Dan  Iupiter  surnamed, 

(and  onyons  hed)  which  hath  in  his  great  noddell  finely  framed, 

The  plot  of  Odeon,  when  he  delivered  was 

from  banishment,  and  daungers  deepe,  wherein  he  long  dyd  passe. 

Pericles  was  the  first  that  made  marvelous  earnest  labour 
to  the  people  that  they  would  make  an  order,  that  on  the 
daye  of  the  feast  called  Panathenaea,  they  would  set  up 
games  for  musicke.  And  he  him  selfe  being  chosen  ruler 
of  these  games,  as  judge  to  rewarde  the  best  deserver: 
ordained  the  manner  the  musitians  should  ever  after  keepe 
in  their  singing,  playing  on  their  flutes,  or  upon  the  citherne, 
or  other  instruments  of  musicke.  So  the  first  games  that 
ever  were  for  musicke,  were  kept  within  the  Odeon : and 
so  were  the  other  after  them  also,  ever  celebrated  there. 
The  gate  and  entring  into  the  castell  was  made  and  finished 
within  the  space  of  five  yeres,  under  the  charge  of  Mnesicles, 
that  was  master  of  the  workes.  And  whilest  these  gates  were 
a building,  there  happened  a wonderfull  chaunce,  which  de- 
clared very  well  that  the  goddesse  Minerva  dyd  not  mislike 
the  building,  but  that  it  pleased  her  marvelously.  For  one 


PERICLES 


The  Odeon. 


Pericles 
erected  games 
for  musicke. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


PERICLES 


The  Poets 
raise  up 
slaunders 
against 
Pericles. 


of  the  most  painefullest  workemen  that  wrought  there,  fell 
by  mischaunce  from  the  height  of  the  castell  to  the  grounde, 
which  fall  dyd  so  sore  broose  him,  and  he  was  so  sicke  with 
all,  that  the  phisitians  and  surgeons  had  no  hope  of  his  life. 
Pericles  being  very  sorie  for  his  mischaunce,  the  goddesse 
appeared  to  him  in  his  sleepe  in  the  night,  and  taught  him 
a medicine,  with  the  which  he  dyd  easely  heale  the  poore 
broosed  man,  and  that  in  shorte  time.  And  this  was  the 
occasion  why  he  caused  the  image  of  the  goddesse  Minerva 
(otherwise  called  of  healthe)  to  be  cast  in  brasse,  and  set  up 
within  the  temple  of  the  castell,  neere  unto  the  altar  which 
was  there  before,  as  they  saye.  But  the  golden  image  of 
Minerva  was  made  by  Phidias,  and  graven  round  about  the 
base : Who  had  the  charge  in  manner  of  all  other  workes, 
and  by  reason  of  the  good  will  Pericles  bare  him,  he  com- 
maunded  all  the  other  workemen.  And  this  made  the  one 
to  be  greatly  envied,  and  the  other  to  be  very  ill  spoken  of. 
For  their  enemies  gave  it  out  abroad,  that  Phidias  receyved 
the  gentlewomen  of  the  cittie  into  his  house,  under  culler 
to  goe  see  his  workes,  and  dyd  convey  them  to  Pericles. 
Upon  this  brute,  the  Comicall  poets  taking  occasion,  dyd 
cast  out  many  slaunderous  speaches  against  Pericles,  accus- 
ing him  that  he  kept  one  Menippus  wife,  who  was  his  friend 
and  lieutenante  in  the  warres : and  burdened  him  further, 
that  Pyrilampes,  one  of  his  familiar  friends  also,  brought  up 
fowle,  and  specially  peacoks,  which  he  secretly  sent  unto  the 
women  that  Pericles  kept.  But  we  must  not  wonder  at 
these  Satyres,  that  make  profession  to  speake  slaunderously 
against  all  the  worlde,  as  it  were  to  sacrifice  the  injuries  and 
wronges  they  cast  upon  honorable  and  good  men,  to  the 
spight  and  envie  of  the  people,  as  unto  wicked  spirites : 
considering  that  Stesimbrotus  Thasian  durst  falsely  accuse 
Pericles  of  detestable  incest,  and  of  abusing  his  owne 
sonnes  wife.  And  this  is  the  reason,  in  my  opinion,  why 
it  is  so  hard  a matter  to  come  to  the  perfect  knowledge 
of  the  trothe  of  auncient  things,  by  the  monuments  of 
historiographers : considering  long  processe  of  time,  doth 
utterly  obscure  the  trothe  of  matters,  done  in  former 
times.  For  every  written  historie  speaking  of  men  that  are 
20 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

alive,  and  of  the  time  of  things,  whereof  it  maketh  mention  : PERICLES 
somtime  for  hate  and  envie,  somtime  for  favour  or  flatterie, 
doth  disguise  and  corrupt  the  trothe.  But  Pericles  perceyv- 
ing  that  the  orators  of  Thucydides  faction,  in  their  common 
orations  dyd  still  crie  out  upon  him,  that  he  dyd  vainely 
waste  and  consume  the  common  treasure,  and  that  he  be- 
stowed upon  the  workes,  all  the  whole  revenue  of  the  cittie : 
one  daye  when  the  people  were  assembled  together,  before 
them  all  he  asked  them,  if  they  thought  that  the  coste 
bestowed  were  to  muche.  The  people  aunswered  him : A 
great  deale  to  muche.  Well,  said  he  then,  the  charges  shalbe  The  noble 
mine  (if  you  thinke  good)  and  none  of  yours : provided  that  saying  of 
no  mans  name  be  written  upon  the  workes,  but  mine  onely.  Pericles- 
When  Pericles  had  sayed  so,  the  people  cried  out  alowde, 
they  would  none  of  that  (either  bicause  that  they  wondred 
at  the  greatnes  of  his  minde,  or  els  for  that  they  would  not 
geve  him  the  only  honour  and  prayse  to  have  done  so  sump- 
tuous and  stately  workes)  but  willed  him  that  he  should  see 
them  ended  at  the  common  charges,  without  sparing  for  any 
coste.  But  in  the  end,  falling  out  openly  with  Thucydides, 
and  putting  it  to  an  adventure  which  of  them  should  banishe 
other,  with  the  banishment  of  Ostracismon : Pericles  got  the 
upper  hand,  and  banished  Thucydides  out  of  the  cittie,  and  Thucydides 
therewithal!  also  overthrewe  the  contrarie  faction  against  banished  by 
him.  Now  when  he  had  rooted  out  all  factions,  and  brought  l enc  es' 
the  cittie  againe  to  unitie  and  concorde,  he  founde  then  the 
whole  power  of  Athens  in  his  handes,  and  all  the  Athenians  Pericles 
matters  at  his  disposing.  And  having  all  the  treasure,  power, 
armour,  gallyes,  the  lies,  and  the  sea,  and  a marvelous 
seigniorie  and  Kingdome  (that  dyd  enlarge  it  selfe  partely 
over  the  Grecians,  and  partely  over  the  barbarous  people)  so 
well  fortified  and  strengthened  with  the  obedience  of  nations 
subject  unto  them,  with  the  friendshippe  of  Kings,  and  with 
the  alliance  of  divers  other  Princes  and  mightie  Lords : 
then  from  that  time  forward  he  beganne  to  chaunge  his 
manners,  and  from  that  he  was  wont  to  be  toward  the  Pericles  som- 
people,  and  not  so  easely  to  graunt  to  all  the  peoples  willes  what  altereth 
and  desires,  no  more  then  as  it  were  to  contrarie  windes.  ttwconumm 
Furthermore  he  altered  his  over  gentle  and  popular  manner 


PERICLES 


The  force  of 
eloquence. 


Pericles 
commended 
for  his  good 
life  and 
worthines. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

of  government  which  he  used  untill  that  time,  as  to  delicate 
and  to  effeminate  an  harmonie  of  musike,  and  dyd  convert  it 
unto  an  imperious  government,  or  rather  to  a kingly  author- 
ise: but  yet  held  still  a direct  course,  and  kept  him  self 
ever  upright  without  fault,  as  one  that  dyd,  sayed,  and 
counselled  that,  which  was  most  expedient  for  the  common 
weale.  He  many  times  brought  on  the  people  by  persuasions 
and  reasons,  to  be  willing  to  graunt  that  he  preferred  unto 
them : but  many  times  also,  he  drave  them  to  it  by  force, 
and  made  them  against  their  willes  doe  that,  which  was  best 
for  them.  Following  therein  the  devise  of  a wise  phisitian  : 
who  in  a long  and  chaungeable  disease,  doth  graunt  his 
pacient  somtime  to  take  his  pleasure  of  a thing  he  liketh, 
but  yet  after  a moderate  sorte:  and  another  time  also  he 
doth  geve  him  a sharpe  or  bitter  medicine  that  doth  vexe 
him,  though  it  heale  him.  For  as  it  falleth  out  commonly 
unto  people  that  enjoye  so  great  an  empire : many  times 
misfortunes  doe  chaunce,  that  fill  them  full  of  sundrie 
passions,  the  which  Pericles  alone  could  finely  steere  and 
governe  with  two  principall  rudders,  feare,  and  hope : bridel- 
ing  with  the  one,  the  fierce  and  insolent  rashenes  of  the 
common  people  in  prosperitie,  and  with  the  other  comforting 
their  grief  and  discoragement  in  adversitie.  Wherein  he 
manifestly  proved,  that  rethorike  and  eloquence  (as  Plato 
sayeth)  is  an  arte  which  quickeneth  mens  spirites  at  her 
pleasure,  and  her  chiefest  skill  is,  to  knowe  howe  to  move 
passions  and  affections  throughly,  which  are  as  stoppes  and 
soundes  of  the  soule,  that  would  be  played  upon  with  a fine 
fingered  hand  of  a conning  master.  All  which,  not  the  force 
of  his  eloquence  only  brought  to  passe,  as  Thucydides  wit- 
nesseth : but  the  reputation  of  his  life,  and  the  opinion  and 
confidence  they  had  of  his  great  worthines,  bicause  he  would 
not  any  waye  be  corrupted  with  gifts,  neither  had  he  any 
covetousnes  in  him.  For,  when  he  had  brought  his  cittie 
not  onely  to  be  great,  but  exceeding  great  and  wealthy,  and 
had  in  power  and  authoritie  exceeded  many  Kings  and 
tyrannes,  yea  even  those  which  by  their  willes  and  testa- 
ments might  have  left  great  possessions  to  their  children  : he 
never  for  all  that  increased  his  fathers  goodes  and  patrimonie 
22 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

left  him,  the  value  of  a grote  in  silver.  And  yet  the  historio- 
grapher Thucydides  doth  set  forth  plainely  enough,  the 
greatnes  of  his  power.  And  the  Comicall  poets  also  of  that 
time  doe  reporte  it  maliciously  under  covert  words,  calling 
his  familiar  friends,  the  newe  Pisistratides : saying,  howe 
they  must  make  him  sweare  and  protest  he  would  never  be 
King,  geving  us  thereby  to  understand,  that  his  authoritie 
was  to  exceeding  great  for  a popular  government.  And 
Teleclides  (amongest  other)  sayeth  that  the  Athenians  had 
put  into  his  hands  the  revenue  of  the  townes  and  citties 
under  their  obedience,  and  the  townes  them  selves,  to  binde 
the  one,  and  to  lose  the  other,  and  to  pull  downe  their 
walles,  or  to  build  them  againe  at  his  pleasure.  They  gave 
him  power,  to  make  peace  and  alliance : they  gave  all  their 
force,  treasure,  and  authoritie,  and  all  their  goodes,  wholy 
into  his  handes.  But  this  was  not  for  a litle  while,  nor  in  a 
geere  of  favour,  that  should  continue  for  a time : but  this 
helde  out  fortie  yeres  together,  he  being  allwayes  the  chief 
of  his  cittie  amongest  the  Ephialtes,  the  Leocrates,  the 
Mironides,  the  Cimons,  the  Tolmides,  and  the  Thucydides. 
For  after  he  had  prevailed  against  Thucydides,  and  had 
banished  him : he  yet  remained  chief  above  all  other,  the 
space  of  fifteene  yeres.  Thus  having  atteined  a regall 
dignitie  to  commaunde  all,  which  continued  as  aforesaid, 
where  no  other  captaines  authoritie  endured  but  one  yere : 
he  ever  kept  him  selfe  upright  from  bribes  and  money, 
though  otherwise  he  was  no  ill  husband,  and  could  warely 
looke  to  his  owne.  As  for  his  landes  and  goodes  left  him  by 
his  parents,  that  they  miscaried  not  by  negligence,  nor  that 
they  should  trouble  him  much,  in  busying  him  self  to  reduce 
them  to  a value : he  dyd  so  husband  them,  as  he  thought 
was  his  best  and  easiest  waye.  For  he  solde  in  grosse  ever 
the  whole  yeres  profit  and  commoditie  of  his  landes,  and 
afterwardes  sent  to  the  market  daylie  to  buye  the  cates,  and 
other  ordinarie  provision  of  housholde.  This  dyd  not  like 
his  sonnes  that  were  men  growen,  neither  were  his  women 
contented  with  it,  who  would  have  had  him  more  liberall  in 
his  house,  for  they  complained  of  his  overhard  and  straight 
ordinarie,  bicause  in  so  noble  and  great  a house  as  his,  there 

23 


PERICLES 


Pericles  free 
from  giftes 
taking. 


Pericles  good 
husbandrie. 


PERICLES 


Anaxagoras 
a mathemati- 
cian. 

Great  diver- 
sitie  betwext 
contemplative 
and  civill  life. 


Anaxagoras 
determined 
to  famish  him 
self  to  death. 


Anaxagoras 
saying  to 
Pericles. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

was  never  any  great  remaine  left  of  meate,  but  all  things 
receyved  into  the  house,  ranne  under  accompt,  and  were 
delivered  out  by  proportion.  All  this  good  husbandrie  of 
his,  was  kept  upright  in  this  good  order,  by  one  Evangelus, 
Steward  of  his  house,  a man  very  honest  and  skillfull  in 
ordering  his  householde  provision  : and  whether  Pericles  had 
brought  him  up  to  it,  or  that  he  had  it  by  nature,  it  was 
not  knowen.  But  these  things  were  farre  contrarie  to  Anaxa- 
goras wisedome.  For  he  despising  the  world,  and  casting 
his  affection  on  heavenly  things : dyd  willingly  forsake  his 
house,  and  suffered  all  his  lande  to  ronne  to  layes  and  to 
pasture.  But  (in  my  opinion)  great  is  the  diversitie  betwene 
a contemplative  life,  and  a civill  life.  For  the  one  em- 
ployeth  all  his  time  upon  the  speculation  of  good  and  honest 
things  : and  to  attaine  to  that,  he  thinketh  he  hath  no  neede 
of  any  exteriour  helpe  or  instrument.  The  other  applying 
all  his  time  upon  vertue,  to  the  common  profit  and  benefit 
of  men : he  thinketh  that  he  needeth  riches,  as  an  instru- 
ment not  only  necessarie,  but  also  honest.  As,  looke  upon 
the  example  of  Pericles  : who  dyd  relieve  many  poore  people. 
And  Anaxagoras  specially  among  other : of  whom  it  is  re- 
ported, that  Pericles  being  occupied  about  matters  of  state 
at  that  time,  having  no  leysure  to  thinke  upon  Anaxagoras, 
he  seeing  him  selfe  old  and  forsaken  of  the  world,  layed  him 
downe,  and  covered  his  head  close,  determining  to  starve 
him  selfe  to  death  with  hunger.  Pericles  understanding 
this,  ranne  presently  to  him  as  a man  halfe  cast  awaye,  and 
prayed  him  as  earnestly  as  he  could,  that  he  would  dispose 
him  selfe  to  live,  being  not  only  sorie  for  him,  but  for  him 
selfe  also,  that  he  should  lose  so  faithfull  and  wise  a coun- 
seller, in  matters  of  state  and  government.  Then  Anaxa- 
goras shewed  his  face,  and  tolde  him : O Pericles,  those  that 
will  see  by  the  light  of  a lampe,  must  put  oyle  to  it,  to  make 
the  light  bume.  Now  beganne  the  Lacedaemonians  to  growe 
jealous,  of  the  greatnes  of  the  Athenians,  wherefore  Pericles 
to  make  the  Athenians  hartes  greater,  and  to  drawe  their 
mindes  to  great  enterprises  : set  downe  an  order  they  should 
send  ambassadours,  to  persuade  all  the  Grecians  (in  what 
part  soever  they  dwelt  in  Europe,  or  Asia,  aswell  the  litle 
24 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

as  the  great  citties)  to  send  their  deputies  unto  Athens,  to  PERICLES 
the  generall  assembly  that  should  be  holden  there,  to  take  Pericles 
order  for  the  temples  of  the  goddes  which  the  barbarous  appointeth 
people  had  burnt,  and  touching  the  sacrifices  they  had  comicdl^o 
vowed  for  the  preservation  of  Grece,  when  they  gave  j,e  h0iden 
battell  upon  them : and  touching  sea  matters  also,  that  at  Athens, 
every  man  might  sayle  in  safetie  where  he  would,  and  that 
all  might  live  together  in  good  peace  and  love,  one  with 
another.  To  performe  this  commission,  twenty  persones 
were  sent  of  this  embasiate,  every  one  of  them  being  fiftie 
yeres  of  age  and  upward.  Whereof  five  of  them  went  to 
the  Dorians,  dwelling  in  Asia,  and  to  the  inhabitants  of  the 
lies,  even  unto  the  lies  of  Lesbos,  and  of  the  Rhodes.  Five 
other  went  through  all  the  country  of  Hellespont,  and  of 
Thracia,  unto  the  cittie  of  Bizantium.  Other  five  were 
commaunded  to  goe  into  Boeotia,  into  Phocides,  and 
through  all  Peloponnesus,  and  from  thence  by  the  countrie 
of  the  Locrians,  into  the  uplande  countrie  adjoyning  to 
it,  untill  they  came  into  the  country  of  Acarnania,  and  of 
Ambracia.  And  the  other  five  went  first  into  the  He  of 
Euboea,  and  from  thence  unto  the  (Etaeians,  and  through 
all  the  gulfe  of  Malea,  unto  the  Phtiotes,  unto  the  Achaians, 
and  the  Thessalians  : declaring  to  all  the  people  where  they 
came,  the  Athenians  commission,  persuading  them  to  send 
unto  Athens,  and  to  be  present  at  the  councell  which  should 
be  holden  there,  for  the  pacification  and  union  of  all  Grece. 

But  when  all  came  to  all,  nothing  was  done,  and  the  sayed 
citties  of  Grece  dyd  not  assemble,  by  practise  of  the  Lace- 
daemonians (as  it  is  reported)  who  were  altogether  the  let : 
for  the  first  refusall  that  was  made  of  their  summons,  was  at 
Peloponnesus.  This  have  I written  to  make  Pericles  noble 
corage  to  be  knowen,  and  howe  profounde  a wise  man  he 
shewed  him  selfe  unto  the  world.  Furthermore,  when  he 
was  chosen  generall  in  the  warres,  he  was  much  esteemed, 
bicause  he  ever  tooke  great  regarde  to  the  safetie  of  his  Pericles  loved 
souldiers.  For  by  his  good  will  he  would  never  hazard  j^e  safty.  of 
battell,  which  he  sawe  might  fall  out  doubtfull,  or  in  any  w^n^n  111 
thing  daungerous : and  moreover,  he  never  praysed  them 
for  good  generalls,  neither  would  he  followe  them  that  had 
2 : D 25 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

PERICLES  obteined  great  victories  by  hazard,  howsoever  other  dyd 
esteeme  or  commend  them.  For  he  was  wont  to  saye,  that 
if  none  but  him  self  dyd  leade  them  to  the  shambles,  as  much 
as  laye  in  him,  they  should  be  immortall.  And  when  he 
sawe  Tolmides,  the  sonne  of  Tolmaeus  (trusting  to  his  former 
victories,  and  the  praise  and  commendation  of  his  good 
service)  dyd  prepare  upon  no  occasion,  and  to  no  puroose, 
to  enter  into  the  countrie  of  Boeotia,  and  had  procured  also 
a thousand  of  the  lustiest  and  most  valliant  men  of  the 
cittie,  to  be  contented  to  goe  with  him  in  that  jomey,  over 
and  above  the  rest  of  the  armie  he  had  leavied : he  went 
about  to  turne  him  from  his  purpose,  and  to  keepe  him  at 
home,  by  many  persuasions  he  used  to  him  before  the  peoples 
face,  and  spake  certen  wordes  at  that  time,  that  were  remem- 
bred  long  after,  and  these  they  were.  That  if  he  would  not 
Time,  the  best  belecve  Pericles  counsell,  yet  that  he  would  tarie  time  at  the 
counseller.  least,  which  is  the  wisest  counseller  of  men.  These  wordes 
were  pretilie  liked  at  that  present  time.  But  'with  in  fewe 
dayes  after,  when  newes  was  brought  that  Tolmides  selfe  was 
slaine  in  a battell  he  had  lost,  neere  unto  the  cittie  of  Coronea, 
wherein  perished  also,  many  other  honest  and  valliant  men  of 
Athens : his  wordes  spoken  before,  dyd  then  greatly  increase 
Pericles  reputation  and  good  will  with  the  common  people, 
bicause  he  was  taken  for  a wise  man,  and  one  that  loved  his 
cittizens.  But  of  all  his  jorneis  he  made,  being  generall  over 
the  armie  of  the  Athenians : the  jomey  of  Cherronesus  was 
best  thought  of  and  esteemed,  bicause  it  fell  out  to  the 
great  benefit  and  preservation  of  all  the  Grecians  inhabiting 
in  that  countrie.  For  besides  that  he  brought  thither  a 
thousand  cittizens  of  Athens  to  dwell  there  (in  which  doing 
he  strengthened  the  citties  with  so  many  good  men)  he  dyd 
fortifie  the  barre  also,  which  dyd  let  it  from  being  of  an  He, 
with  a fortification  he  drue  from  one  sea  to  another:  for 
that  he  defended  the  countrie  against  all  the  invasions  and 
piracies  of  the  Thracians  inhabiting  thereabouts,  and  de- 
livered it  of  extreme  warre,  with  the  which  it  was  plagued 
before,  by  the  barbarous  people  their  neighbours,  or  dwelling 
amongest  them,  who  only  lived  upon  piracie,  and  robbing  on 
the  seas.  So  was  he  likewise  much  honored  and  esteemed  of 
26 


Tolmides 
slaine  in 
the  field. 


Pericles 

jorneyes 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

straungers,  when  he  dyd  environne  all  Peloponnesus,  depart- 
ing out  of  the  haven  of  Peges,  on  the  coast  of  Megara,  with 
a fleete  of  a hundred  gaily es.  For  he  dyd  not  only  spoyle 
the  townes  all  alongest  the  sea  side,  as  Tolmides  had  done 
before  him : but  going  up  further  into  the  mayne  lande, 
farre  from  the  sea,  with  his  souldiers  he  had  in  the  gallyes, 
he  drave  some  of  them  to  retire  within  their  walles,  he  made 
them  so  affrayed  of  him  : and  in  the  countrie  of  Nemea,  he 
overcame  the  Sicyonians  in  battell,  that  taried  him  in  the 
field,  and  dyd  erect  a piller  for  a notable  marke  of  his  victorie. 
And  imbarking  in  his  shippes  a newe  supply  of  souldiers  which 
he  tooke  up  in  Achaia,  being  friends  with  the  Athenians 
at  that  time : he  passed  over  to  the  firme  lande  that  laye 
directly  against  it.  And  pointing  beyond  the  mouth  of  the 
river  of  Achelous,  he  invaded  the  countrie  of  Acarnania, 
where  he  shut  up  the  (Eneades  within  their  walles.  And 
after  he  had  layed  waste  and  destroyed  all  the  champion 
countrie,  he  returned  home  againe  to  Athens  : having  shewed 
him  selfe  in  this  jorney,  a dreadfull  captaine  to  his  enemies, 
and  very  carefull  for  the  safety  of  his  souldiers.  For  there 
fell  out  no  manner  of  misfortune  all  this  jorney  (by  chaunce 
or  otherwise)  unto  the  souldiers  under  his  charge.  And 
afterwardes,  going  with  a great  navie  marvelous  well  ap- 
pointed unto  the  realme  of  Pontus,  he  dyd  there  gentily 
use  and  intreate  the  citties  of  Grece,  and  graunted  them  all 
that  they  required  of  him  : making  the  barbarous  people 
inhabiting  thereabouts,  and  the  Kings  and  Princes  of  the 
same  also,  to  know  the  great  force  and  power  of  the 
Athenians,  who  sailed  without  feare  all  about  where  they 
thought  good,  keeping  all  the  coastes  of  the  sea  under  their 
obedience.  Furthermore,  he  left  with  the  Sinopians  thirteene 
gallyes,  with  certen  number  of  souldiers  under  captaine 
Lamachus,  to  defend  them  against  the  tyranne  Timesileus : 
who  being  expulsed,  and  driven  awaye,  with  those  of  his 
faction,  Pericles  caused  proclamation  to  be  made  at  Athens, 
that  sixe  hundred  free  men  of  the  cittie,  that  had  any  desire 
to  goe,  without  compulsion,  might  goe  dwell  at  Sinopa,  where 
they  should  have  devided  among  them,  the  goodes  and  landes 
of  the  tyranne  and  his  followers.  But  he  dyd  not  followe  the 

27 


PERICLES 


Achelous  fl. 


PERICLES 

Pericles 
would  not 
followe  the 
covetousnes 
of  the  people. 


The  enter- 
prise of 
Sicilia. 


Pericles  an 
enemie  to 
the  Lacedae- 
monians. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

foolishe  vaine  humours  of  his  cittizens,  nor  would  not  yeld  to 
their  unsatiable  covetousnes,  who  being  set  on  a jolitie  to  see 
them  selves  so  strong,  and  of  suche  a power,  and  besides, 
to  have  good  lucke,  would  needes  once  againe  attempt  to 
conquer  Egypt,  and  to  revolte  all  the  countries  upon  the 
sea  coastes,  from  the  empire  of  the  king  of  Persia : for  there 
were  many  of  them  whose  mindes  were  marvelously  bent  to 
attempt  the  unfortunate  enterprise  of  entering  Sicilia,  which 
Alcibiades  afterwardes  dyd  muche  pricke  forward.  And 
some  of  them  dreamed  besides,  of  the  conquest  of  Thuscan, 
and  the  empire  of  Carthage.  But  this  was  not  altogether 
without  some  likelyhood,  nor  without  occasion  of  hope, 
considering  the  large  boundes  of  their  Kingdome,  and  the 
fortunate  estate  of  their  affayres,  which  fell  out  according 
to  their  owne  desire.  But  Pericles  dyd  hinder  this  going 
out,  and  cut  of  altogether  their  curious  desire,  employing 
the  most  parte  of  their  power  and  force,  to  keepe  that  they 
had  already  gotten : judging  it  no  small  matter  to  keepe 
downe  the  Lacedaemonians  from  growing  greater.  For  he 
was  allwayes  an  enemie  to  the  Lacedaemonians,  as  he  shewed 
him  selfe  in  many  things,  but  specially  in  the  warre  he  made, 
called  the  holy  warre.  For  the  Lacedaemonians  having  put 
the  Phocians  from  the  charge  of  the  temple  of  Apollo,  in  the 
cittie  of  Delphes,  which  they  had  usurped,  and  having  re- 
stored the  Delphians  againe  unto  the  same : so  sone  as  they 
were  gone  thence,  Pericles  went  also  with  another  armie,  and 
restored  the  Phocians  in  again.  And  where  as  the  Lace- 
daemonians had  caused  to  be  graven  in  the  forehead  of  a 
woulfe  of  brasse,  the  priviledge  the  Delphians  had  graunted 
them,  to  be  the  first  that  should  make  their  demaundes  of 
the  oracle : he  having  atteined  the  like  priviledge  of  the 
Phocians,  made  his  image  also  to  be  graven  on  the  right 
side  of  the  same  image,  of  the  brasen  woulfe.  Nowe  howe 
wisely  Pericles  dyd  governe  Grece  by  the  power  of  the 
Athenians,  his  deedes  doe  plainely  she  we.  For,  first  of 

all,  the  countrie  of  Euboea  dyd  rebell,  against  whom  he 
brought  the  armie  of  the  Athenians.  And  sodainely  in 
the  necke  of  that,  came  newes  from  another  coaste,  that  the 
Megarians  also  were  in  armes  against  them  ; and  howe  that 
28 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

they  were  already  entered  into  the  countrie  of  Attica  with  a 
great  armie,  led  by  Plistonax,  king  of  Lacedaemon.  This 
occasion  drewe  him  homeward  againe,  and  so  he  marched 
backe  with  speede  into  his  countrie,  to  make  preparation  to 
encounter  his  enemies,  that  were  already  entered  into  the 
territories  of  Attica.  He  durst  not  offer  them  battell,  being 
so  great  a number  of  valliant  souldiers:  but  hearing  that 
king  Plistonax  was  yet  but  a young  man,  and  was  ruled 
altogether  by  Cleandrides  counsell  and  direction  (whom  the 
Ephores  had  placed  about  him  to  counsell  and  direct  him) 
he  sought  privilie  to  corrupt  Cleandrides.  When  he  had 
wonne  him  sone  with  his  money,  he  persuaded  him  to  drawe 
backe  the  Peloponnesians  out  of  their  countrie  of  Attica: 
and  so  he  dyd.  But  when  the  Lacedaemonians  sawe  their 
armie  cassed,  and  that  the  people  were  gone  their  waye, 
every  man  to  his  owne  cittie  or  towne : they  were  so 
mad  at  it,  that  the  King  was  condemned  in  a great 
some.  The  King  being  unable  to  aunswer  his  fine,  which 
was  so  extreme  great : he  was  driven  to  absent  him  self 
from  Lacedaemon.  Cleandrides  on  the  other  side,  if  he 
had  not  fled  in  time,  even  for  spight  had  bene  con- 
demned to  death.  This  Cleandrides  was  Gylippus  father, 
that  afterwards  overcame  the  Athenians  in  Sicilia,  in  whom 
it  seemed  nature  bred  covetousnes,  as  a disease  inheritable 
by  succession  from  father  to  the  sonne.  For  he  being 
shamefully  convicted  also,  for  certen  vile  partes  he  had 
played,  was  likewise  banished  from  Sparta : as  we  have  more 
amply  declared  in  the  life  of  Lysander.  And  Pericles  de- 
livering up  the  accompt  of  his  charge,  and  setting  downe 
an  article  of  the  expense  of  tenne  talentes  he  had  employed, 
or  should  employe  in  needefull  causes:  the  people  allowed 
them  him,  never  asking  question  how,  nor  which  waye,  nor 
whether  it  was  true  that  they  were  bestowed.  Now  there 
are  certen  writers  (among  whom  the  philosopher  Theo- 
phrastus is  one)  who  write  that  Pericles  sent  yerely  unto 
Sparta  tenne  talents,  with  the  which  he  entertained  those 
that  were  in  authoritie  there,  bicause  they  should  make  no 
warres  with  them  : not  to  buye  peace  of  them,  but  time, 
that  he  might  in  the  meane  season,  with  better  commoditie, 

29 


PERICLES 

Plistonax 
king  of 
Lacedaemon. 


Cleandrides 
corrupted  by 
Pericles. 


Gylippus 
overcame  the 
Athenians  at 
Syracusa  in 
Sicile. 

Gylippus 
robbed  parte 
of  the  treasure 
Lysander  sent 
him  withall  to 
Sparta. 


Pericles  wise 
pollicy  in  for- 
rein  enter- 
tainement. 


PERICLES 
Pericles  acts 
in  Euboea. 


Pericles 
maketh  warre 
with  the 
Samians. 


Aspasia  a 
passing  wise 
woman. 


The  de- 
scription of 
Aspasia. 


Thargelia. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

and  that  leysure,  provide  to  mainteine  the  warres.  After 
that,  as  the  armie  of  the  Peloponnesians  were  out  of  the 
countrie  of  Attica,  he  returned  again  against  the  rebels,  and 
passed  into  the  lie  of  Euboea  with  fiftie  sayle,  and  five 
thousand  footemen  well  armed : and  there  he  overcame  all 
the  citties  that  had  taken  armes  against  him,  and  drave 
away  the  Hyppobotes,  who  were  the  most  famous  men  of  all 
the  Chalcidians,  aswell  for  their  riches,  as  for  their  valliantnes. 
He  drave  awaye  also  all  the  Hestiaeians,  whom  he  chased 
cleane  out  of  all  the  countrie,  and  placed  in  their  cittie,  only 
the  cittizens  of  Athens.  Amd  the  cause  why  he  delt  so 
rigorously  with  them  was,  bicause  they  having  taken  a galley 
of  the  Athenians  prisoner,  had  put  all  the  men  to  death  that 
were  in  her.  And  peace  being  concluded  afterwards  betwene 
the  Athenians  and  Lacedaemonians  for  thirtie  yeres  : he  pro- 
claimed open  warres  against  those  of  the  lie  of  Samos,  bur- 
dening them,  that  they  being  commaunded  by  the  Athenians, 
to  pacifie  the  quarrells  which  they  had  against  the  Milesians, 
they  would  not  obaye.  But  bicause  some  hold  opinion,  that 
he  tooke  upon  him  this  warre  against  Samos,  for  the  love  of 
Aspasia : it  shall  be  no  great  digression  of  our  storie,  to  tell 
you  by  the  waye,  what  manner  of  woman  she  was,  and  what 
a marvelous  gifte  and  power  she  had,  that  she  could  entangle 
with  her  love  the  chiefest  rulers  and  govemours  at  that  time 
of  the  common  weale,  and  that  the  philosophers  them  selves 
dyd  so  largely  speake  and  write  of  her.  First  of  all,  it  is 
certaine  that  she  was  borne  in  the  cittie  of  Miletum,  and  was 
the  daughter  of  one  Ajdochus:  she  following  the  steppes 
and  example  of  an  olde  curtisan  of  Ionia,  called  Thargelia, 
gave  her  selfe  only  to  entertaine  the  greatest  persones  and 
chiefest  rulers  in  her  time.  For  this  Thargelia  being  passing 
fayer,  and  carying  a comely  grace  with  her,  having  a sharpe 
wit  and  pleasaunt  tongue : she  had  the  acquaintaunce  and 
friendshippe  of  the  greatest  persones  of  all  Grece,  and  wanne 
all  those  that  dyd  haunte  her  company  to  be  at  the  king  of 
Persiaes  commaundement.  So  that  she  sowed  through  all 
the  citties  of  Grece,  great  beginnings  of  the  faction  of  the 
Medes:  for  they  were  the  greatest  men  of  power  and 
authoritie  of  everie  cittie  that  were  acquainted  with  her. 
30 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

But  as  for  Aspasia,  some  saye  that  Pericles  resorted  unto  her,  PERICLES 
bicause  she  was  a wise  woman,  and  had  great  understanding 
in  matters  of  state  and  government.  For  Socrates  him  selfe 
went  to  see  her  somtimes  with  his  friends : and  those  that 
used  her  company  also,  brought  their  wives  many  times  with 
them  to  heare  her  talke : though  her  traine  about  her  were 
to  entertaine  such  as  would  warme  them  by  their  fire. 
iEschines  writeth,  that  Lysicles  a grazier,  being  before  but  a 
meane  man,  and  of  a clubbishe  nature,  came  to  be  the  chief 
man  of  Athens,  by  frequenting  the  companie  of  Aspasia, 
after  the  death  of  Pericles.  And  in  Platoes  booke  intituled 
Menexenus , although  the  beginning  of  it  be  but  pleasauntly 
written,  yet  in  that,  this  storie  is  written  truely : that  this 
Aspasia  was  repaired  unto  by  divers  of  the  Athenians,  to 
leame  the  arte  of  rethorike  of  her.  Yet  notwithstanding  it 
seemeth  most  likely  that  the  affection  Pericles  dyd  beare  her, 
grewe  rather  of  love,  then  of  any  other  cause.  For  he  was 
maried  unto  a kinsewoman  of  his  owne,  and  that  before  was 
Hipponicus  wife,  by  whom  she  had  Callias,  surnamed  the  Calliasthe 
riche : and  had  afterwards  by  Pericles,  Xantippus  and  riche. 
Paralus.  But  not  liking  her  companie,  he  gave  her  with 
her  owne  good  will  and  consent  unto  another,  and  maried  Pericles 
Aspasia  whom  he  dearely  loved.  For  ever  when  he  went  inaried 
abroad,  and  came  home  againe,  he  saluted  her  with  a kisse.  the  famous 
Whereupon  in  the  auncient  comedies,  she  is  called  in  many  curtiSan. 
places,  the  newe  Omphale,  and  somtimes  Deianira,  and  som- 
times Iuno.  But  Cratinus  plainely  calleth  her  whore  in 
these  verses : 

His  Iuno  she  him  brought,  Aspasia  by  name, 
which  was  in  deede  an  open  whore,  and  past  all  kynde  of  shame. 

And  it  seemeth  that  he  had  a bastard : for  Eupolis  in  a 
comedie  of  his  called  Demosii , bringeth  him  in,  asking 
Pyronides  thus : 

I praye  thee : is  my  bastard  sonne  yet  alive  ? 

And  then  Pyronides  aunswered  him  : 

A perfect  man  long  since,  he  surely  had  bene  founde, 
if  that  this  lewde,  and  naughty  whore  his  vertue  had  not  drownde. 

31 


PERICLES 


Pissuthnes 
the  Persian. 


A good  proofe 
that  Pericles 
was  not  cove- 
tous. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

To  conclude,  this  Aspasia  was  so  famous,  that  Cyrus  (he 
that  fought  against  king  Artaxerxes  his  brother,  for  the 
empire  of  Persia)  called  Aspasia  his  best  beloved  of  all  his 
concubines,  which  before  was  called  Milto,  and  was  borne  in 
Phocides,  being  Hermotimus  daughter.  And  Cyrus  being 
slayne  in  the  field,  Aspasia  was  caried  to  the  King  his 
brother,  with  whom  afterwardes  she  was  in  great  favour. 
As  I was  writing  this  life,  this  storie  came  in  my  minde : 
and  me  thought  I should  have  delt  hardly,  if  I should  have 
left  it  unwritten.  But  to  our  matter  againe.  Pericles  was 
charged  that  he  made  warres  against  the  Samians,  on  the 
behalfe  of  the  Milesians,  at  the  request  of  Aspasia : for 
these  two  citties  were  at  warres  together,  for  the  cittie  of 
Priena,  but  the  Samians  were  the  stronger.  Now  the 
Athenians  commaunded  them  to  laye  a side  their  armes, 
and  to  come  and  pleade  their  matter  before  them,  that  the 
right  might  be  decided  : but  they  refused  it  utterly.  Where- 
fore Pericles  went  thither  and  tooke  awaye  the  government 
of  the  small  number  of  Nobilitie,  taking  for  ostages,  fiftie  of 
the  chiefest  men  of  the  cittie,  and  so  many  children  besides, 
which  he  left  to  be  kept  in  the  He  of  Lemnos.  Some  saye 
every  one  of  these  ostages  offered  to  geve  him  a talent : and 
besides  those,  many  other  offered  him  the  like,  suche  as 
would  not  have  the  soveraine  authoritie  put  into  the  handes 
of  the  people.  Moreover  Pissuthnes  the  Persian,  lieutenant 
to  the  king  of  Persia,  for  the  good  will  he  bare  those  of 
Samos,  dyd  send  Pericles  tenne  thousand  crownes  to  release 
the  ostages.  But  Pericles  never  tooke  pennie : and  having 
done  that  he  determined  at  Samos,  and  established  a popular 
government,  he  returned  againe  to  Athens.  Notwithstand- 
ing, the  Samians  rebelled  immediately  after,  having  recovered 
their  ostages  againe  by  meanes  of  this  Pissuthnes  that  stale 
them  awaye,  and  dyd  furnishe  them  also  with  all  their 
munition  of  warre.  Whereupon  Pericles  returning  against 
them  once  more,  he  founde  them  not  idle,  nor  amazed  at  his 
coming,  but  resolutely  determined  to  receyve  him,  and  to 
fight  for  the  seigniorie  by  sea.  So  there  was  a great  battell 
fought  betwene  them,  neere  the  lie  of  Tracia.  And  Pericles 
wanne  the  battell : having  with  foure  and  fortie  sayle  only 
32 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

nobly  overcome  his  enemies,  which  were  three  score  and 
tenne  in  number,  wherof  twenty  of  them  were  shippes  of 
warre.  And  so  following  his  victorie  forthwith,  he  wanne 
also  the  porte  of  Samos,  and  kept  the  Samians  besieged 
within  their  owne  cittie : where  they  were  yet  so  bolde,  as 
they  would  make  salies  out  many  times,  and  fight  before  the 
walles  of  the  cittie.  But  when  there  arrived  a newe  supplie 
of  shippes  bringing  a greater  ayde  unto  Pericles : then  were 
they  shut  up  of  all  sides.  Pericles  then  taking  three  score 
gallyes  with  him,  lanched  out  into  the  sea,  with  intent  (as 
some  saye)  to  goe  mete  certen  shippes  of  the  Phoenicians 
(that  came  to  ayde  the  Samians)  as  farre  from  Samos  as  he 
could : or  as  Stesimbrotus  sayeth,  to  goe  into  Cyprus,  which 
me  thinketh  is  not  true.  But  whatsoever  was  his  intent,  he 
committed  a foule  fault.  For  Melissus  (the  sonne  of  Itha- 
genes,  a great  philosopher)  being  at  that  time  generall  of  the 
Samians : perceyving  that  fewe  shippes  were  left  behinde  at 
the  siege  of  the  cittie,  and  that  the  captaines  also  that  had 
charge  of  them  were  no  very  expert  men  of  warre,  persuaded 
his  cittizens  to  make  a salye  upon  them.  Whereupon  they 
fought  a battell,  and  the  Samians  overcame : the  Athenians 
were  taken  prisoners,  and  they  suncke  many  of  their  shippes. 
No  we  they  being  lordes  againe  of  the  sea,  dyd  furnishe  their 
cittie  with  all  manner  of  munition  for  warres,  whereof  before 
they  had  great  want.  Yet  Aristotle  writeth  that  Pericles 
selfe  was  once  overcome  in  a battell  by  sea  by  Melissus. 
Furthermore  the  Samians,  to  be  even  with  the  Athenians 
for  the  injurie  they  had  receyved  of  them  before:  dyd 
brande  them  in  the  forehead  with  the  stampe  of  an  owle, 
the  owle  being  then  the  stampe  of  their  coyne  at  Athens, 
even  as  the  Athenians  had  branded  the  Samian  pri- 
soners before  with  the  stampe  of  Samaena.  This  Samaena 
is  a kynde  of  shippe  amongest  the  Samians,  lowe  afore, 
and  well  layed  out  in  the  midde  shippe,  so  that  it  is  ex- 
cellent good  to  rise  with  the  waves  of  the  sea,  and  is 
very  swifte  under  sayle : and  it  was  so  called,  bicause  the 
first  shippe  that  was  made  of  this  facion,  was  made 
in  the  lie  of  Samos,  by  the  tyranne  Polycrates.  It  is 
sayed  that  the  poet  Aristophanes,  covertly  conveying  the 
2 : E 33 


PERICLES 

Pericles  vic- 
torie againe  of 
the  Samians. 


Melissus  a 
philosopher, 
generall  of  the 
Samians. 


The  owle,  the 
stampe  of  the 
coyne  at 
Athens. 

Samaena  a 
kinde  of  a 
shippe. 


PERICLES 


The  wittie 
saying  of  Aris- 
tophanes of 
the  Samians. 


Artemon 
Periphoretos 
a timerous 
man. 


The  Samians 
doe  yeld  to 
Pericles. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

stampe  of  the  Samians,  speaking  merylie  in  a place  of  his 
comedies  sayeth : 

The  Samians  are  great  learned  men. 

Pericles  being  advertised  of  the  overthrowe  of  his  armie, 
returned  presently  to  the  rescue.  Melissus  went  to  mete 
him,  and  gave  him  battell : but  he  was  overthrowen,  and 
driven  backe  into  his  cittie,  where  Pericles  walled  them  in 
round  about  the  cittie,  desiring  victorie  rather  by  time  and 
charge,  than  by  daunger,  and  losse  of  his  souldiers.  But 
when  he  sawe  that  they  were  wearie  with  tract  of  time,  and 
that  they  would  bring  it  to  hazard  of  battell,  and  that  he 
could  by  no  meanes  withholde  them : he  then  devided  his 
armie  into  eight  companies,  whom  he  made  to  drawe  lots, 
and  that  companie  that  lighted  on  the  white  beane,  they 
should  be  quiet  and  make  good  cheere,  while  the  other  seven 
fought.  And  they  saye  that  from  thence  it  came,  that  when  any 
have  made  good  cheere,  and  taken  pleasure  abroade,  they  doe 
yet  call  it  a white  daye,  bicause  of  the  white  beane.  Ephorus 
the  historiographer  writeth,  that  it  was  there,  where  first  of 
all  they  beganne  to  use  engines  of  warre  to  plucke  down  great 
walles,  and  that  Pericles  used  first  this  wonderfull  invention  : 
and  that  Artemon  an  enginer  was  the  first  deviser  of  them. 
He  was  caried  up  and  downe  in  a chayer,  to  set  forward  these 
workes,  bicause  he  had  a lame  legge : and  for  this  cause  he 
was  called  Periphoretos.  But  Heraclides  Ponticus  confuteth 
Ephorus  therein,  by  the  verses  of  Anacreon,  in  the  which 
Artemon  is  called  Periphoretos,  many  yeres  before  this  warre 
of  Samos  beganne  : and  sayeth  that  this  Periphoretos  was  a 
marvelous  tender  man,  and  so  foolishly  afeard  of  his  owne 
shadowe,  that  the  most  parte  of  his  time  he  sturred  not  out 
of  his  house,  and  did  sit  all  way  es  having  two  of  his  men  by 
him,  that  held  a copper  target  over  his  head,  for  feare  least 
any  thing  should  fall  upon  him.  And  if  upon  any  occasion 
he  were  driven,  to  goe  abroade  out  of  his  house : he  would 
be  caried  in  a litle  bed  hanging  neere  the  grounde,  and  for 
this  cause  he  was  surnamed  Periphoretos.  At  the  last,  at 
nine  moneths  ende  the  Samians  were  compelled  to  yeld. 
So  Pericles  tooke  the  cittie,  and  rased  their  walles  to  the 
34 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

grounde : he  brought  their  shippes  awaye,  and  made  them 
paye  a marvelous  great  tribute,  whereof  parte  he  recey ved  in 
hande,  and  the  rest  payable  at  a certen  time,  taking  ostages 
with  him  for  assurance  of  payment.  But  Duris  the  Samian 
dilateth  these  matters  marvelous  pittiefully,  burdening  the 
Athenians,  and  Pericles  self  with  unnaturall  crueltie  : where- 
of neither  Thucydides,  nor  Ephorus,  nor  Aristotle  him  selfe 
maketh  mention.  And  suer  I cannot  beleeve  it  is  true  that 
is  written.  That  he  brought  the  captaines  of  the  gallyes, 
and  the  souldiers  them  selves  of  Sarnia,  into  the  market  place 
of  the  cittie  of  Miletum  : where  he  made  them  to  be  bound 
fast  unto  bordes  for  the  space  of  tenne  dayes,  and  at  the  ende 
of  the  same,  the  poore  men  halfe  dead,  were  beaten  downe 
with  clubbes,  and  their  heads  passhed  in  peces : and  after- 
wards they  threw  out  their  bodies  to  the  crowes,  and  would 
not  burie  them.  So  Duris  being  accustomed  to  overreach, 
and  to  lye  many  times  in  things  nothing  touching  him : 
seemeth  in  this  place  out  of  all  reason  to  aggravate  the 
calamities  of  his  countrie,  only  to  accuse  the  Athenians,  and 
to  make  them  odious  to  the  world.  Pericles  having  wonne 
the  cittie  of  Samos,  he  returned  againe  to  Athens,  where  he 
dyd  honorably  burie  the  bones  of  his  slaine  cittizens  in  this 
warre  : and  him  self  (according  to  their  manner  and  custome) 
made  the  funerall  oration,  for  the  which  he  was  marvelously 
esteemed.  In  suche  sorte,  that  after  he  came  downe  from 
the  pulpit  where  he  made  his  oration  : the  ladies  and  gentle- 
women of  the  cittie  came  to  salute  him,  and  brought  him 
garlands  to  put  upon  his  head,  as  they  doe  to  noble  con- 
querers  when  they  returne  from  games,  where  they  have 
wonne  the  price.  But  Elpinice  coming  to  him,  sayed  : Surely 
Pericles,  thy  good  service  done,  deserveth  garlands  of 
triumphe : for  thou  hast  lost  us  many  a good  and  valliant 
cittizen,  not  fighting  with  the  Medes,  the  Phoenicians,  and 
with  the  barbarous  people  as  my  brother  Cimon  dyd,  but  for 
destroying  a cittie  of  our  owne  nation  and  kynred.  Pericles 
to  these  wordes,  softely  aunswered  Elpinice,  with  Archilocus 
verse,  smyling : 

When  thou  art  olde,  painte  not  thy  selfe. 

35 


PERICLES 


Elpinice. 


Pericles 
taunte  to  an 
olde  woman. 


PERICLES 


Cimons 

sonnes. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

But  Ion  writeth,  that  he  greatly  gloried,  and  stoode  muche 
in  his  own  conceipt,  after  he  had  subdued  the  Samians,  saying: 
Agamemnon  was  tenne  yeres  taking  of  a cittie  of  the  bar- 
barous people : and  he  in  nine  moneths  only  had  wonne  the 
strongest  cittie  of  the  whole  nation  of  Ionia.  In  deede  he 
had  good  cause  to  glorie  in  his  victorie : for  truely  (if  Thucy- 
dides reporte  be  true)  his  conquest  was  no  lesse  doubtfull, 
then  he  founde  it  daungerous.  For  the  Samians  had  almost 
bene  lordes  of  the  sea,  and  taken  the  seigniorie  thereof  from 
the  Athenians.  After  this,  the  warres  of  Peloponnesus  being 
whotte  againe,  the  Corinthians  invading  thilanders  of  Corphu : 
Pericles  dyd  persuade  the  Athenians  to  send  ayde  unto  the 
Corphians,  and  to  joyne  in  league  with  that  Hand,  which  was 
of  great  power  by  sea,  saying  : that  the  Peloponnesians 
(before  it  were  long)  would  have  warre  with  them.  The 
Athenians  consented  to  his  motion,  to  ayde  those  of  Corphu. 
Whereupon  they  sent  thither  Lacedaemonius  (Cimons  sonne) 
with  tenne  gaily es  only  for  a mockery : for  all  Cimons  familie 
and  friendes,  were  wholy  at  the  Lacedaemonians  devotion. 
Therefore  dyd  Pericles  cause  Lacedaemonius  to  have  so  fewe 
shippes  delivered  him,  and  further,  sent  him  thither  against 
his  will,  to  the  ende  that  if  he  dyd  so  notable  exploite  in 
this  service,  that  then  they  might  the  more  justly  suspect  his 
good  will  to  the  Lacedaemonians.  Moreover  whilst  he  lived, 
he  dyd  ever  what  he  could,  to  keepe  Cimons  children  backe 
from  rysing : bicause  that  by  their  names  they  were  no 
naturall  borne  Athenians,  but  straungers.  For  the  one  was 
called  Lacedaemonius,  the  other  Thessalus,  and  the  third 
Elius : and  the  mother  to  all  them  three,  was  an  Arcadian 
woman  borne.  But  Pericles  being  blamed  for  that  he  sent 
but  tenne  gallyes  only,  which  was  but  a slender  ayde  for 
those  that  had  requested  them,  and  a great  matter  to  them 
that  spake  ill  of  them : he  sent  thither  afterwardes  a great 
number  of  other  gallyes,  which  came  when  the  battell  was 
fought.  But  the  Corinthians  were  marvelous  angrie,  and 
went  and  complained  to  the  counsell  of  the  Lacedaemonians, 
where  they  layed  open  many  grievous  complaints  and  accu- 
sations against  the  Athenians,  and  so  dyd  the  Megarians 
also  : alledging  that  the  Athenians  had  forbidden  them  their 
36 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

havens,  their  staples,  and  all  trafficke  of  marchaundise  in  the 
territories  under  their  obedience,  which  was  directly  against 
the  common  lawes,  and  articles  of  peace,  agreed  upon  by  othe 
among  all  the  Grecians.  Moreover  the  iEginetes  finding 
them  selves  very  ill  and  cruelly  handled,  dyd  send  secretly  to 
make  their  mone  and  complaintes  to  the  Lacedaemonians, 
being  afeard  openly  to  complaine  of  the  Athenians.  While 
these  things  were  a doing,  the  cittie  of  Potidaea,  subject  at 
that  time  unto  the  Athenians  (and  was  built  in  olde  time 
by  the  Corinthians)  did  rebell,  and  was  besieged  by  the 
Athenians,  which  did  hasten  on  the  warres.  Notwithstand- 
ing this,  ambassadours  were  first  sent  unto  Athens  upon  these 
complaints,  and  Archidamus,  king  of  the  Lacedaemonians, 
did  all  that  he  could  to  pacifie  the  most  parte  of  these 
quarrells  and  complaints,  intreating  their  friendes  and  allies. 
So  as  the  Athenians  had  had  no  warres  at  all,  for  any  other 
matters  wherewith  they  were  burdened,  if  they  would  have 
graunted  to  have  revoked  the  decree  they  had  made  against 
the  Megarians.  Whereupon,  Pericles,  that  above  all  other 
stood  most  against  the  revocation  of  that  decree,  and  that 
did  sturre  up  the  people,  and  made  them  to  stand  to  that 
they  had  once  decreed,  and  ordered,  against  the  Megarians : 
was  thought  the  only  original  cause  and  author  of  the  Pelo- 
ponnesian warres.  For  it  is  sayed  that  the  Lacedaemonians 
sent  ambassadours  unto  Athens  for  that  matter  only.  And 
when  Pericles  alledged  a lawe,  that  dyd  forbid  them  to  take 
away  the  table,  whereupon  before  time  had  bene  written  any 
common  law  or  edict : Polyarces,  one  of  the  Lacedaemon 
ambassadours,  sayed  unto  him : Well,  said  he,  take  it  not 
awaye  then,  but  turne  the  table  onely : your  lawe  I am  suer 
forbiddeth  not  that.  This  was  pleasauntly  spoken  of  the 
ambassadour,  but  Pericles  could  never  be  brought  to  it 
for  all  that.  And  therefore  it  seemeth  he  had  some  secret 
occasion  of  grudge  against  the  Megarians : yet  as  one  that 
would  finely  convey  it  under  the  common  cause  and  cloke, 
he  tooke  from  them  the  holy  lands  they  were  breaking  up. 
For  to  bring  this  to  passe,  he  made  an  order,  that  they 
should  send  an  herauld  to  summone  the  Megarians  to  let 
the  land  alone,  and  that  the  same  herauld  should  goe  also 

37 


PERICLES 

The  Athen- 
ians accused 
at  Lace- 
daemon. 


Pericles, 
author  of 
the  warres 
against  Pelo- 
ponnesus. 


Pericles 
malice 
against  the 
Megarians. 


PERICLES 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

unto  the  Lacedaemonians  to  accuse  the  Megarians  unto 
them.  It  is  true  that  this  ordinance  was  made  by  Pericles 
meanes,  as  also  it  was  most  just  and  reasonable  : but  it 
fortuned  so,  that  the  messenger  they  sent  thither  dyed 
and  not  without  suspition  that  the  Megarians  made  him 
awaye.  Wherefore  Charinus  made  a lawe  presently  against 
the  Megarians : that  they  should  be  proclaimed  mortall 
enemies  to  the  Athenians  for  ever,  without  any  hope  of  after 
reconciliation.  And  also  if  any  Megarian  should  once  put 
his  foote  within  the  territories  of  Attica,  that  he  should 
suffer  the  paynes  of  death.  And  moreover,  that  their 
captaines  taking  yerely  their  ordinary  othe,  should  sweare 
among  other  articles,  that  twise  in  the  yere  they  should  goe 
with  their  power,  and  destroy  some  parte  of  the  Megarians 
lande.  And  lastly,  that  the  heraulde  Anthemocritus  should 
be  buried  by  the  place  called  then  the  gates  Thriasienes,  and 
nowe  called,  Dipylon.  But  the  Megarians  stowtely  denying, 
that  they  were  any  cause  of  the  death  of  this  Anthemocritus: 
dyd  altogether  burden  Aspasia  and  Pericles  with  the  same, 
alledging  for  proofe  thereof,  Aristophanes  verses  the  Poet, 
in  his  comedie  he  intituled  the  Acharnes , which  are  so 
common,  as  every  boye  hath  them  at  his  tongues  ende. 

The  young  men  of  our  lande  (to  dronken  bybbing  bent) 
ranne  out  one  daye  unrulily,  and  towards  Megara  went. 

From  whence  in  their  outrage,  by  force  they  tooke  awaye, 
Simaetha  noble  curtisan,  as  she  dyd  sporte  and  playe. 

Wherewith  enraged  all  (with  pepper  in  the  nose) 
the  prowde  Megarians  came  to  us,  as  to  their  mortall  foes. 

And  tooke  by  stelthe  awaye,  of  harlots  eke  a payer, 

attending  on  Aspasia,  which  were  both  young  and  fayer. 

But  in  very  deede,  to  tell  the  originall  cause  of  this  warre, 
and  to  deliver  the  trothe  thereof,  it  is  very  harde.  But  all  the 
historiographers  together  agree,  that  Pericles  was  the  chiefest 
author  of  the  warre : bicause  the  decree  made  against  the 
Megarians,  was  not  revoked  backe  againe.  Yet  some  holde 
opinion,  that  Pericles  dyd  it  of  a noble  minde  and  judgement, 
to  be  constant  in  that  he  thought  most  expedient.  For  he 
judged  that  this  commaundement  of  the  Lacedaemonians  was 
but  a triall,  to  prove  if  the  Athenians  would  graunte  them  : 
38 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

and  if  they  yelded  to  them  in  that,  then  they  manifestly  PERICLES 
shewed  that  they  were  the  weaker.  Other  contrarilie  saye, 
that  it  was  done  of  a selfe  will  and  arrogancie,  to  shewe  his 
authoritie  and  power,  and  howe  he  dyd  despise  the  Lacedae- 
monians. But  the  shrowdest  profe  of  all,  that  bringeth  best 
authoritie  with  it,  is  reported  after  this  sorte.  Phidias  the  Phidias  the 
image  maker  (as  we  have  tolde  you  before)  had  undertaken  to  image  maker, 
make  the  image  of  Pallas  : and  being  Pericles  friende,  was  in 
great  estimation  about  him.  But  that  procured  him  many 
ill  willers.  Then  they  being  desirous  to  heare  by  him  what 
the  people  would  judge  of  Pericles  : they  intised  Menon,  one 
of  the  worke  men  that  wrought  under  Phidias,  and  made 
him  come  into  the  market  place  to  praye  assurance  of  the 
people  that  he  might  openly  accuse  Phidias,  for  a faulte  he 
had  committed  about  Pallas  image.  The  people  receyved 
his  obedience,  and  his  accusation  was  heard  openly  in  the 
market  place,  but  no  mention  was  made  of  any  theft  at  all : 
bicause  that  Phidias  (through  Pericles  counsell  and  devise) 
had  from  the  beginning  so  layed  on  the  gold  upon  the  image, 
that  it  might  be  taken  of,  and  wayed  every  whitte.  Where- 
upon Pericles  openly  sayed  unto  his  accusers,  Take  of  the 
golde  and  way  it.  The  glorie  of  his  works  dyd  purchase  him 
this  envie.  For  he  having  graven  upon  the  scutchion  of  the 
goddesse,  the  battel  of  the  Amazones,  had  cut  out  the 
portraiture  of  him  self  marvelous  lively,  under  the  persone 
of  an  olde  balde  man,  lifting  up  a great  stone  with  both  his 
handes.  Further  he  had  cut  out  Pericles  image,  excellently 
wrought  and  artificially,  seeming  in  manner  to  be  Pericles 
self,  fighting  with  an  Amazon  in  this  sorte : The  Amazones 
head  being  lifte  up  highe,  holdeth  a darte  before  Pericles 
face,  so  passing  cunningly  wrought,  as  it  seemed  to  shadowe 
the  likenes  and  resemblaunce  of  Pericles : and  yet  notwith- 
standing appeareth  plainely  to  be  Pericles  self  on  either  side 
of  the  portraiture.  So  Phidias  was  clapt  up  in  prisone,  and 
there  dyed  of  a sickness,  or  els  of  a poyson  (as  some  saye) 
which  his  enemies  had  prepared  for  him : and  all  to  bring 
Pericles  into  further  suspition,  and  to  geve  them  the  more 
cause  to  accuse  him.  But  howsoever  it  was,  the  people  gave 
Menon  his  freedome,  and  set  him  free  for  payment  of  all 

39 


PERICLES 


Aspasia 

accused. 


Prytani, 
treasorers  of 
the  common 
fines. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

subsidies,  following  the  order  Glycon  made,  and  gave  the 
captaines  charge  they  should  see  him  safely  kept,  and  that 
he  tooke  no  hurte.  And  about  the  same  time  also  Aspasia 
was  accused,  that  she  dyd  not  beleeve  in  the  goddes : and 
her  accuser  was  Hermippus,  maker  of  the  comedies.  He 
burdened  her  further,  that  she  was  a bawde  to  Pericles,  and 
receyved  cittizens  wives  into  her  house,  which  Pericles  kept. 
And  Diopithes  at  the  same  time  made  a decree,  that  they 
should  make  searche  and  enquirie  for  heretickes  that  dyd  not 
beleeve  in  the  goddes,  and  that  taught  certaine  newe  doctrine 
and  opinion  touching  the  operations  of  things  above  in  the 
element,  turning  the  suspition  upon  Pericles,  bicause  of 
Anaxagoras.  The  people  dyd  receyve  and  confirme  this 
inquisition  : and  it  was  moved  also  then  by  Dracontides,  that 
Pericles  should  deliver  an  accompt  of  the  money  he  had 
spent,  unto  the  handes  of  the  Prytanes,  who  were  treasorers 
of  the  common  fines  and  revenues,  and  that  the  judges 
deputed  to  geve  judgement,  should  geve  sentence  within  the 
cittie  upon  the  altar.  But  Agnon  put  that  worde  out  of 
the  decree,  and  placed  in  stead  thereof,  that  the  cause  should 
be  judged  by  the  fifteene  hundred  judges,  as  they  thought 
good,  if  any  man  brought  this  action  for  thefte,  for  batterie, 
or  for  injustice.  As  for  Aspasia,  he  saved  her,  even  for  the 
verie  pittie  and  compassion  the  judges  tooke  of  him,  for  the 
teares  he  shed  in  making  his  humble  sute  for  her,  all  the 
time  he  pleaded  her  case : as  iEschines  writeth.  But  for 
Anaxagoras,  fearing  that  he  could  not  doe  so  muche  for  him : 
he  sent  him  out  of  the  cittie,  and  him  selfe  dyd  accompany 
him.  And  furthermore,  seeing  he  had  incurred  the  ill  will 
of  the  people  for  Phidias  facte,  and  for  this  cause  fearing  the 
issue  of  the  judgement : he  set  the  warres  a fyre  againe,  that 
alwayes  went  backeward,  and  dyd  but  smoke  a litle,  hoping 
by  this  meanes  to  weare  out  the  accusations  against  him,  and 
to  roote  out  the  malice  some  dyd  beare  him.  For  the  people 
having  waightie  matters  in  hande,  and  very  daungerous  also: 
he  knewe  they  would  put  all  into  his  handes  alone,  he  having 
wonne  already  suche  great  authoritie  and  reputation  among 
them.  And  these  be  the  causes  why  he  would  not  (as  it  is 
sayed)  suffer  the  Athenians  to  yeld  unto  the  Lacedaemonians 
‘40 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

in  any  thing : howbeit  the  trothe  cannot  certenly  be  knowen.  PERICLES 
But  the  Lacedaemonians  knowing  well,  that  if  they  could 
wede  out  Pericles,  and  overthrowe  him,  they  might  then 
deale  as  they  would  with  the  Athenians : they  commaunded 
them  they  should  purge  their  cittie  of  Cylons  rebellion, 
bicause  they  knew  well  enough  that  Pericles  kynne  by  the 
mothers  side  were  to  be  touched  withall,  as  Thucydides 
declareth.  But  this  practise  fell  out  contrarie  to  their  hope, 
and  expectation,  that  were  sent  to  Athens  for  this  purpose. 

For,  weening  to  have  brought  Pericles  into  further  suspition 
and  displeasure,  the  cittizens  honoured  him  the  more,  and 
had  a better  affiaunce  in  him  then  before,  bicause  they  sawe 
his  enemies  dyd  so  much  feare  and  hate  him.  Wherefore, 
before  king  Archidamus  entred  with  the  armie  of  the 
Peloponnesians  into  the  countrie  of  Attica,  he  tolde  the 
Athenians,  that  if  king  Archidamus  fortuned  to  waste  and 
destroye  all  the  countrie  about,  and  should  spare  his  landes 
and  goodes  for  the  olde  love  and  familiaritie  that  was 
betweene  them,  or  rather  to  geve  his  enemies  occasion  falsely 
to  accuse  him : that  from  thenceforth,  he  gave  all  the  landes 
and  tenements  he  had  in  the  countrie,  unto  the  common 
wealthe.  So  it  fortuned,  that  the  Lacedaemonians  with  all 
their  friends  and  confederates,  brought  a marvelous  armie 
into  the  countrie  of  Attica,  under  the  leading  of  king  Archi-  The  Lacedae- 
damus : who  burning  and  spoyling  all  the  countries  he  came  monians  in- 
alongest,  they  came  unto  the  towne  of  Acharnes,  were  they  va(*e  Attica, 
incamped,  supposing  the  Athenians  would  never  suffer  them 
approche  so  neere,  but  that  they  would  give  them  battell  for 
the  honour  and  defence  of  their  countrie,  and  to  shewe  that 
they  were  no  cowardes.  But  Pericles  wisely  considered  ho  we 
the  daunger  was  to  great  to  hazard  battell,  where  the  losse 
of  the  cittie  of  Athens  stoode  in  perill,  seing  they  were  three 
score  thousand  footemen  of  the  Peloponnesians,  and  of  the 
Boeotians  together:  for  so  many  was  their  number  in  the 
first  voyage  they  made  against  the  Athenians.  And  as  for 
those  that  were  very  desirous  to  fight,  and  to  put  them  selves  An  excellent 
to  any  hazard,  being  mad  to  see  their  countrie  thus  wasted  toTtayeThe 
and  destroyed  before  their  eyes,  Pericles  dyd  comforte  and  souldiers  de- 
pacifie  them  with  these  wordes : That  trees  being  cut  and  sier  to  fight. 
2 : F 41 


PERICLES 


Cleon  accused 
Pericles. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

hewen  downe,  dyd  spring  againe  in  shorte  time : but  men 
being  once  dead,  by  no  possibility  could  be  brought  againe. 
Therefore  he  never  durst  assemble  the  people  in  counsell, 
fearing  least  he  should  be  inforced  by  the  multitude,  to  doe 
some  thing  against  his  will.  But  as  a wise  man  of  a shippe, 
when  he  seeth  a storme  coming  on  the  sea,  doth  straight 
geve  order  to  make  all  things  safe  in  the  shippe,  preparing 
every  thing  readie  to  defende  the  storme,  according  to  his 
arte  and  skill,  not  harkening  to  the  passengers  fearefull  cries 
and  pittiefull  teares,  who  thinke  them  selves  cast  away:  even 
so  dyd  Pericles  rule  all  things  according  to  his  wisedome, 
having  walled  the  cittie  substantially  about,  and  set  good 
watche  in  every  corner : and  passed  not  for  those  that  were 
angrie  and  offended  with  him,  neither  would  be  persuaded 
by  his  friends  earnest  requests  and  intreaties,  neither  cared 
for  his  enemies  threates  nor  accusations  against  him,  nor  yet 
reckoned  of  all  their  foolishe  scoffing  songes  they  songe  of 
him  in  the  cittie,  to  his  shame  and  reproche  of  government, 
saying  that  he  was  a cowardly  captaine,  and  that  for  dastard- 
lines he  let  the  enemies  take  all,  and  spoyle  what  they  would. 
Of  which  number  Cleon  was  one  that  most  defamed  him,  and 
beganne  to  enter  into  some  prety  credit  and  favour  with  the 
common  people,  for  that  they  were  angrie,  and  misliked 
with  Pericles  : as  appeareth  by  these  slaunderous  verses  of 
Hermippus,  which  were  then  abroade : 

O King  of  Satyres,  who  with  such  manly  speache 

of  bloudy  warres  and  doughty  dedes,  dost  daylie  to  us  preache  : 

Why  art  thou  now  afrayed,  to  take  thy  launce  in  hande, 
or  with  thy  pike  against  thy  foes,  corageously  to  stande  ? 

Synce  Cleon  stowte  and  fierce,  doth  daylie  thee  provoke, 

With  biting  wordes,  with  trenchaunt  blades,  and  deadly  daunt- 
ing stroke. 

All  these  notwithstanding,  Pericles  was  never  moved  any 
thing,  but  with  silence  dyd  paciently  beare  all  injuries  and 
scoffings  of  his  enemies,  and  dyd  send  for  all  that  a navie 
of  a hundred  sayle  unto  Peloponnesus,  whether  he  would 
not  go  in  person,  but  kept  him  self  at  home,  to  keep  the 
people  in  quiet : untill  such  time  as  the  enemies  had  raised 
their  campe,  and  were  gone  awaye.  And  to  entertaine  the 
42 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

common  people  that  were  offended  and  angrie  at  this  warre : PERICLES 
he  comforted  the  poore  people  againe,  with  causing  a certain  Note  Pericles 
distribution  to  be  made  amongest  them  of  the  common  pollicie  to 
treasure,  and  division  also  of  the  landes  that  were  got  by  Paci^e 
conquest.  For  after  he  had  driven  all  the  iEginetes  out  of  PeoP  esangei- 
their  countrie,  he  caused  the  whole  He  of  iEgina  to  be 
divided  by  lot  amongest  the  cittizens  of  Athens.  And  then  iEgina 
it  was  a great  comforte  to  them  in  this  adversitie,  to  heare  wonne by  the 
of  their  enemies  hurte  and  losse  in  suche  manner  as  it  dyd  Athenians, 
fall  out.  For  their  armie  that  was  sent  by  sea  unto  Pelo- 
ponnesus, had  wasted  and  destroyed  a great  parte  of  the 
champion  countrie  there,  and  had  sacked  besides  many  small 
citties  and  townes.  Pericles  selfe  also  entring  into  the 
Megarians  countrie  by  lande,  did  waste  the  whole  countrie 
all  afore  him.  So  the  Peloponnesians  receyving  by  sea  as- 
muche  hurte  and  losse  at  the  Athenians  hands,  as  they  be- 
fore had  done  by  lande  unto  the  Athenians : they  had  not 
holden  out  warres  so  long  with  the  Athenians,  but  would 
sone  have  geven  over  (as  Pericles  had  tolde  them  before)  had 
not  the  goddes  above  secretly  hindered  mans  reason  and 
pollicie.  For  first  of  all  there  came  such  a sore  plague  Plague  at 
among  the  Athenians,  that  it  took  awaye  the  flower  of  Athens. 
Athens  youth,  and  weakened  the  force  of  the  whole  cittie 
besides.  Furthermore  the  bodies  of  them  that  were  left 
alive  being  infected  with  this  disease,  their  hartes  also  were 
so  sharpely  bent  against  Pericles,  that  the  sicknes  having 
troubled  their  braynes,  they  fell  to  flat  rebellion  against  him, 
as  the  pacient  against  his  physitian,  or  children  against 
their  father,  even  to  the  hurting  of  him,  at  the  provocation 
of  his  enemies.  Who  bruted  abroade,  that  the  plague  came 
of  no  cause  els,  but  of  the  great  multitude  of  the  country 
men  that  came  into  the  cittie  on  heapes,  one  upon  anothers 
necke  in  the  harte  of  the  sommer,  where  they  were  com-  Accusations 
pelled  to  lye  many  together,  smothred  up  in  litle  tentes  against 
and  cabines,  remaining  there  all  daye  long,  cowring  downe-  Feric^es* 
wardes,  and  doing  nothing,  where  before  they  lived  in  the 
countrie  in  a freshe  open  ayer,  and  at  libertie.  And  of  all 
this,  saye  they,  Pericles  is  the  only  cause,  who  procuring 
this  warre,  hathe  pent  and  shrowded  the  country  men 

43 


PERICLES 


An  eclypse 
of  the  sunne. 


Pericles  hard 
fortune. 


Pericles 
deprived  of 
his  charge. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

together  within  the  walles  of  a cittie,  employing  them  to  no 
manner  of  use  nor  service,  but  keeping  them  like  sheepe  in 
a pinnefolde,  maketh  one  to  poyson  another  with  the 
infection  of  their  plague  sores  ronning  upon  them,  and 
geving  them  no  leave  to  chaunge  ayer,  that  they  might  so 
muche  as  take  breathe  abroade.  Pericles  to  remedy  this, 
and  to  doe  their  enemies  a litle  mischief : armed  a hundred 
and  fiftie  shippes,  and  shipped  into  them  a great  number  of 
armed  footemen  and  horsemen  also.  Hereby  he  put  the 
cittizens  in  good  hope,  and  the  enemies  in  great  feare,  seeing 
so  great  a power.  But  when  he  had  shipped  all  his  men, 
and  was  him  self  also  in  the  admirall  ready  to  hoyse  sayle : 
sodainely  there  was  a great  eclypse  of  the  sunne,  and  the 
daye  was  very  darke,  that  all  the  armie  was  striken  with  a 
marvelous  feare,  as  of  some  daungerous  and  very  ill  token 
towardes  them.  Pericles  seeing  the  master  of  his  gallye  in  a 
maze  withall,  not  knowing  what  to  doe : cast  his  cloke  over 
the  masters  face,  and  hid  his  eyes,  asking  him  whether  he 
thought  that  any  hurte  or  no.  The  master  aunswered  him, 
he  thought  it  none.  Then  sayed  Pericles  againe  to  him : 
There  is  no  difference  betwene  this  and  that,  saving  that  the 
bodye  which  maketh  the  darknes  is  greater,  then  my  cloke 
which  hideth  thy  eyes.  These  things  are  thus  disputed  of  in 
the  schooles  of  the  philosophers.  But  Pericles  hoysing  sayle 
notwithstanding,  dyd  no  notable  or  speciall  service,  aunswer- 
able  to  so  great  an  armie  and  preparation.  For  he  laying 
seige  unto  the  holy  cittie  of  Epidaurum,  when  every  man 
looked  they  should  have  taken  it,  was  compelled  to  rayse  his 
seige  for  the  plague  that  was  so  vehement : that  it  dyd  not 
only  kill  the  Athenians  them  selves,  but  all  other  also  (were 
they  never  so  fewe)  that  came  to  them,  or  neere  their  campe. 
Wherefore  perceyving  the  Athenians  were  marvelously 
offended  with  him,  he  dyd  what  he  could  to  comforte  them, 
and  put  them  in  harte  againe : but  all  was  in  vaine,  he  could 
not  pacifie  them.  For  by  the  most  parte  of  voyces,  they 
deprived  him  of  his  charge  of  generall,  and  condemned  him 
in  a marvelous  great  fine  and  summe  of  money,  the  which 
those  that  tell  the  least  doe  write,  that  it  was  the  summe  of 
fifteene  talentes  : and  those  that  say  more,  speake  of  fiftie 
44 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

talentes.  The  accuser  subscribed  in  this  condemnation,  PERICLES 
was  Cleon,  as  Idomeneus,  or  Simmias  saye,  or  as  Theo- 
phrastus writeth : yet  Heraclides  Ponticus  sayeth,  one 
Lacratidas.  Nowe  his  common  grieves  were  sone  bio  wen 
over : for  the  people  dyd  easely  let  fall  their  displeasures 
towardes  him,  as  the  waspe  leaveth  her  stinge  behinde  her 
with  them  she  hath  stong.  But  his  owne  private  affayers  Pericles  home 
and  household  causes  were  in  very  ill  case : both  for  that  the  troubles, 
plague  had  taken  awaye  many  of  his  friendes  and  kinsemen 
from  him,  as  also  for  that  he  and  his  house  had  continued  a 
long  time  in  disgrace.  For  Xanthippus  (Pericles  sonne  and 
heire)  being  a man  of  a very  ill  disposition  and  nature,  and 
having  married  a young  woman  very  prodigall  and  lavishe  of 
expence,  the  daughter  of  Isander,  sonne  of  Epilycus : he 
grudged  much  at  his  fathers  hardnes,  who  scantly  gave  him 
money,  and  but  litle  at  a time.  Whereupon  he  sent  on  a 
time  to  one  of  his  fathers  friendes  in  Pericles  name,  to  praye 
him  to  lend  him  some  money,  who  sent  it  unto  him.  But 
afterwards  when  he  came  to  demaunde  it  againe,  Pericles 
dyd  not  only  refuse  to  paye  it  him,  but  further,  he  put  him 
in  sute.  But  this  made  the  young  man  Xanthippus  so 
angrie  with  his  father,  that  he  spake  very  ill  of  him  in  every 
place  where  he  came : and  in  mockery  reported  howe  his 
father  spent  his  time  when  he  was  at  home,  and  the  talke 
he  had  with  the  Sophisters,  and  the  master  rethoritians. 

For  a mischaunce  fortuning  on  a time,  at  the  game  of  throwing 
the  darte,  who  should  throw  best,  that  he  that  threwe,  dyd 
unfortunately  kill  one  Epitimius  a Thessalian : Xanthippus 
went  pratling  up  and  downe  the  towne,  that  his  father 
Pericles  was  a whole  daye  disputing  with  Protagoras  the 
Rethoritian,  to  knowe  which  of  the  three  by  lawe  and  reason 
should  be  condemned  for  this  murther.  The  darte : he  that 
threwe  the  darte : or  the  deviser  of  that  game.  Moreover 
Stesimbrotus  writeth,  that  the  brute  that  ranne  abroade 
through  the  cittie,  howe  Pericles  dyd  keepe  his  wife,  was 
sowen  abroade  by  Xanthippus  him  self.  But  so  it  is,  this 
quarrell  and  hate  betwext  the  father  and  the  sonne  con- 
tinued without  reconciliation  unto  the  death.  For  Xan- 
thippus dyed  in  the  great  plague,  and  Pericles  own  sister 


PERICLES 


Pericles 

constancy. 


A lawe  at 
Athens  for 
base  borne 
children. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

also : moreover  he  lost  at  that  time  by  the  plague,  the  more 
parte  of  all  his  friends  and  kinsefolkes,  and  those  specially 
that  dyd  him  greatest  pleasure  in  governing  of  the  state. 
But  all  this  dyd  never  pull  down  his  contenaunce,  nor  any- 
thing abate  the  greatnes  of  his  minde,  what  mis- 
fortunes soever  he  had  susteined.  Neither  sawe  they  him 
weepe  at  any  time,  nor  mourne  at  the  funeralles  of  any 
of  his  kinsemen  or  friendes,  but  at  the  death  of  Para- 
lus,  his  younger  and  lawful  begotten  sonne : for,  the  losse 
of  him  alone  dyd  only  melt  his  harte.  Yet  he  dyd 
strive  to  showe  his  naturall  constancie,  and  to  keep  his 
accustomed  modestie.  But  as  he  would  have  put  a gar- 
land of  flowers  upon  his  head,  sorowe  dyd  so  pierce  his 
harte  when  he  sawe  his  face,  that  then  he  burst  out  in  tears, 
and  cryed  a mayne : which  they  never  sawe  him  doe  before, 
all  the  dayes  of  his  life.  Furthermore  the  people  having 
proved  other  captaines  and  governours,  and  finding  by 
experience  that  there  was  no  one  of  them  of  judgement  and 
authoritie  sufficient,  for  so  great  a charge : In  the  ende,  of 
them  selves  they  called  him  againe  to  the  pulpit  for  orations 
to  heare  their  counsells,  and  to  the  state  of  a captaine  also 
to  take  charge  of  the  state.  But  at  that  time  he  kept  him 
selfe  close  in  his  house,  as  one  bewayling  his  late  grievous 
losse  and  sorowe.  Howbeit  Alcibiades,  and  other  his 
familiar  friendes,  persuaded  him  to  shewe  him  selfe  unto  the 
people,  who  dyd  excuse  them  selves  unto  him,  for  their 
ingratitude  towardes  him.  Pericles  then  taking  the  govern- 
ment againe  upon  him,  the  first  matter  he  entred  into  was : 
that  he  prayed  them  to  revoke  the  statute  he  had  made  for 
base  borne  children,  fearing  least  his  lawfull  heires  would 
fayle,  and  so  his  house  and  name  should  fall  to  the  grounde. 
But  as  for  that  lawe,  thus  it  stoode.  Pericles  when  he  was 
in  his  best  authoritie,  caused  a lawe  to  be  made,  that  they 
only  should  be  computed  cittizens  of  Athens,  which  were 
naturall  Athenians  borne  by  father  and  mother.  Not  long 
after,  it  fortuned  that  the  king  of  Egypt  having  sent  a gifte 
unto  the  people  of  Athens,  of  forty  thousand  bushells  of 
corne,  to  be  distributed  among  the  cittizens  there : many  by 
this  lawe  were  accused  to  be  base  borne,  and  specially  men 
46 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

of  the  baser  sorte  of  people,  which  were  not  knowen  before,  PERICLES 
or  at  the  least  had  no  reckoning  made  of  them,  and  so  some 
of  them  were  falsely  and  wrongfully  condemned.  Where- 
upon so  it  fell  out,  that  there  were  no  lesse  than  five  thou- 
sand of  them  convicted  and  solde  for  slaves : and  they  that 
remained  as  free  men,  and  were  judged  to  be  naturall 
cittizens,  amownted  to  the  number  of  fourteene  thousand 
and  fortie  persones.  Now  this  was  much  misliked  of  the 
people,  that  a lawe  enacted,  and  that  had  bene  of  suche 
force,  should  by  the  selfe  maker  and  deviser  of  the  same  be 
againe  revoked  and  called  in.  Howbeit  Pericles  late  calamitie 
that  fortuned  to  his  house,  dyd  breake  the  peoples  hardened 
hartes  against  him.  Who  thincking  these  sorowes  smarte, 
to  be  punishment  enough  unto  him  for  his  former  pryde, 
and  judging  that  by  goddes  divine  justice  and  permission, 
this  plague  and  losse  fell  upon  him,  and  that  his  request  also 
was  tollerable : they  suffered  him  to  enrolle  his  base  borne 
sonne  in  the  register  of  the  lawfull  cittizens  of  his  familie, 
geving  him  his  owne  name,  Pericles.  It  is  the  self  same 
Pericles,  who  after  he  had  overcome  the  Peloponnesians  in  a Pericles  the 
great  battell  by  sea,  neere  unto  the  lies  Arginuses,  was  put  l)ase  borne 
to  death  by  sentence  of  the  people,  with  the  other  captaines  Put  to  ^eatl1- 
his  companions.  Now  was  Pericles  at  that  time  infected  Pericles 
with  the  plague,  but  not  so  vehemently  as  other  were,  rather  sicknes. 
more  temperatly : and  by  long  space  of  time,  with  many 
alterations  and  chaunges,  that  dyd  by  litle  and  litle  decaye, 
and  consume  the  strength  of  his  bodie,  and  overcame  his 
sences  and  noble  minde.  Therefore  Theophrastus  in  his 
moralles  declareth,  in  a place  where  he  disputeth,  whether  A philosophi- 
mens  manners  doe  chaunge  with  their  misfortunes,  and  caU  question 
whether  corporall  troubles  and  afflictions  doe  so  alter  men,  ^an^of 
that  they  forget  vertue,  and  abandon  reason : that  Pericles  mensmanners 
in  this  sicknes  shewed  a friende  of  his  that  came  to  see  him,  by  misfor- 
I cannot  tell  what  a preserving  charme  the  women  had  tyed  tunes. 

(as  a carkanet)  about  his  necke,  to  let  him  understand  he 
was  very  ill,  since  he  suffered  them  to  apply  suche  a foolishe 
bable  to  him.  In  the  ende,  Pericles  drawing  fast  unto  his 
death,  the  Nobilitie  of  the  cittie,  and  such  his  friendes  as  Pericles 
were  left  alive,  standing  about  his  bed,  beganne  to  speake  of  death. 

47 


PERICLES 


A notable 
saying  of 
Pericles  at 
his  death. 


Pericles 

deservedly 

called 

Olympius. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

his  vertue,  and  of  the  great  authoritie  he  had  borne,  con- 
sidering the  greatnes  of  his  noble  actes,  and  counting  the 
number  of  the  victories  he  had  wonne  (for  he  had  wonne 
nine  foughten  battells  being  generall  of  the  Athenians,  and 
had  set  up  so  many  tokens  and  triumphs  in  honour  of  his 
countrie)  they  reckoned  up  among  them  selves  all  these 
matters,  as  if  he  had  not  understoode  them,  imagining  his 
sences  had  bene  gone.  But  he  contrarilie  being  yet  of  per- 
fect memorie,  heard  all  what  they  had  sayed,  and  thus  he 
beganne  to  speake  unto  them  : That  he  marveled  why  they 
had  so  highly  praysed  that  in  him,  which  was  common  to 
many  other  captaines,  and  wherein  fortune  delt  with  them 
in  equalitie  a like,  and  all  this  while  they  had  forgotten  to 
speake  of  the  best  and  most  notable  thing  that  was  in  him, 
which  was : that  no  Athenian  had  ever  worne  blacke  gowne 
through  his  occasion.  And  suer  so  was  he  a noble  and 
worthie  persone.  For  he  dyd  not  only  shewe  him  selfe 
mercifull  and  curteous,  even  in  most  weightie  matters  of 
government,  among  so  envious  people  and  hatefull  enemies : 
but  he  had  this  judgement  also  to  thincke,  that  the  most 
noble  actes  he  dyd  were  these,  that  he  never  gave  him  selfe 
unto  hatred,  envie,  nor  choller,  to  be  revenged  of  his  most 
mortall  enemie,  without  mercy  shewed  towardes  him,  though 
he  had  committed  unto  him  suche  absolute  power  and  sole 
government  among  them.  And  this  made  his  surname  to 
be  Olympius  (as  to  saye,  divine  or  celestiall)  which  other- 
wise for  him  had  bene  to  prowde  and  arrogant  a name, 
bicause  he  was  of  so  good  and  gentle  a nature,  and  for  that 
in  so  great  libertie  he  had  kept  cleane  handes  and  undefiled : 
even  as  wre  esteeme  the  goddes  authors  of  all  good,  and 
causers  of  no  ill,  and  so  worthy  to  governe  and  rule  the 
whole  monarchic  of  the  world.  And  not  as  Poets  saye, 
which  doe  confounde  our  wittes  by  their  follies,  and  fonde 
faynings,  and  are  also  contrarie  to  them  selves,  considering 
that  they  call  heaven  (which  conteineth  the  goddes)  the 
everlasting  seate,  which  trembleth  not,  and  is  not  driven  nor 
moved  with  windes,  neither  is  darkened  with  clowdes,  but  is 
allwayes  bright  and  cleare,  and  at  all  times  shyning  equally 
with  a pure  bright  light,  as  being  the  only  habitation  and 
48 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

mansion  place  of  the  eternall  God,  only  happy  and  immortall. 
And  afterwardes  they  describe  it  them  selves,  full  of  dissen- 
tions,  of  enmities,  of  anger  and  passions,  which  doe  nothing 
become  wise  and  learned  men.  But  this  discourse  perad- 
venture  would  be  better  spoken  of  in  some  other  booke. 
Nowe,  the  troubles  the  Athenians  felt  immediatly  after 
Pericles  death,  made  them  then  lament  the  losse  of  so  noble 
a member.  For  those  who  unpaciently  dyd  brooke  his  great 
authoritie  while  he  lived,  bicause  it  drowned  their  owne : 
when  they  came  after  his  death  to  prove  other  speakers  and 
governours,  they  were  compelled  then  to  confesse,  that  no 
mans  nature  living  could  be  more  moderate  nor  grave,  with 
lenitie  and  mercie,  then  his  was.  And  that  most  hated 
power,  which  in  his  life  time  they  called  monarchic,  dyd 
then  most  plainely  appeare  unto  them,  to  have  bene  the 
manifest  ramper  and  bullwarke  of  the  safetie  of  their 
whole  state  and  common  weale  : suche  corruption  and  vice 
in  government  of  the  state,  dyd  then  spring  up  immediatly 
after  his  death,  which  when  he  was  alive,  he  dyd  ever  sup- 
presse  and  keepe  under  in  suche  sorte,  that  either  it  dyd 
not  appeare  at  all,  or  at  the  least  it  came  not  to  that 
hed  and  liber  tie,  that  suche  faultes  were  committed, 
as  were  impossible  to  be  remedied. 

THE  ENDE  OF  PERICLES  LIFE 


THE  LIFE  OF  FABIUS  MAXIMUS 

AVING  already  declared  unto  you  such 
things  worthy  memorie  as  we  could  col- 
lect, and  gather  of  the  life  of  Pericles  : it 
is  nowe  good  time  we  should  proceede  to 
write  also  of  the  life  of  Fabius  Maximus. 
It  is  sayed  the  first  Fabius,  from  whom 
the  house  and  familie  of  the  Fabians  dyd 
descend  (being  the  greatest  and  noblest 
house  of  all  other  in  Rome)  was  begotten  by  Hercules, 

2 : G ‘49 


PERICLES 


The  Athe- 
nians lament- 
ed the  losse 
of  Pericles 
being  dead. 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Fabius  Rullus 
Maximus. 


Fabius  Maxi- 
mus called 
Verrucosus 
and  Ovicula. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

whom  he  gatte  of  a Nymphe  (or  as  other  saye,  a woman  of 
the  countrie)  by  the  river  of  Tyber.  And  some  saye,  that 
the  first  of  this  house,  were  called  at  the  beginning  Fodians, 
bicause  they  dyd  hunte  wilde  beastes,  with  pittefalles  and 
ditches.  For  unto  this  present  the  Romaines  call  ditches, 
Fossae:  and  to  digge  Fodere.  Since  that  time,  the  two 
second  letters  have  bene  chaunged,  and  they  have  called 
them  Fabians.  But  howsoever  it  was,  this  is  certaine,  that 
many  noble  men  have  come  out  of  that  house : and  among 
other,  there  was  one  of  that  house  called  Fabius  Rullus, 
whom  the  Romaines  for  his  noble  actes  dyd  surname  Maximus, 
very  great.  After  him,  Fabius  Maximus,  whose  life  we  have 
now  in  hande,  was  the  fourth  lineally  descended  of  the  same 
line,  and  he  was  surnamed  Verrucosus,  bicause  of  a certen 
birth  marke  he  had  upon  one  of  his  lippes,  like  a litle  warte. 
And  he  was  also  surnamed  Ovicula,  a litle  lamme,  for  his 
softnes,  slownes,  and  gravity  of  his  doings  whilest  he  was  a 
childe.  But  bicause  of  nature  he  was  dull,  still,  and  very 
silent,  and  that  he  was  seldome  seene  to  playe  at  any  pas- 
time among  the  boyes,  and  for  that  they  sawe  he  was  but  of 
slowe  capacitie,  and  hard  to  learne  and  conceyve,  and  withall 
that  the  boyes  might  doe  to  him  what  they  would,  he  was 
so  lowly  to  his  fellowes : this  made  men  judge  that  looked 
not  into  him,  that  he  would  prove  a very  foole  and  nigeot. 
Yet  other  were  of  contrarie  opinion  of  him : who  consider- 
ing more  deepely  the  man,  perceyved  in  his  nature  a certen 
secret  constancie  and  the  majestie  of  a lyon.  But  Fabius 
selfe  when  he  was  called  to  serve  the  common  weale,  dyd 
quickely  shewe  to  the  world,  that  which  they  tooke  for  dullnes 
in  him,  was  his  gravitie,  which  never  altered  for  no  cause  or 
respect:  and  that  which  other  judged  fearefullnes  in  him, 
was  very  wisedome.  And  where  he  shewed  him  selfe  not 
hastie,  nor  sodaine  in  any  thing : it  was  found  in  him  an 
assured  and  setled  constancie.  Wherefore  when  he  came  to 
consider  the  great  soveraintie  of  their  common  weale,  and 
the  continuall  warres  it  was  in : he  dyd  use  his  bodie  to  all 
hardnes,  and  brought  up  him  selfe  therewithall,  that  he 
might  be  the  better  able  to  serve  in  the  field : and  he  gave 
him  selfe  much  to  eloquence  also,  as  a necessary  instrument 
50 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

to  persuade  souldiers  unto  reason.  His  tongue  likewise  dyd  FABIUS 

agree  with  his  conditions,  and  manner  of  life.  For  he  had  MAXIMUS 

no  manner  of  affectation,  nor  counterfeate  finenes  in  his 

speach,  but  his  words  were  ever  very  grave  and  profounde, 

and  his  sentences  even  grafte  in  him  by  nature,  and  (as  some 

saye)  were  much  like  Thucydides  sayings.  As  appeareth  in 

a funerall  oration  he  made  before  the  people  in  the  praise  of 

his  sonne,  who  dyed  when  he  came  out  of  his  Consulshippe, 

which  is  yet  extant  to  be  seene.  Now  as  for  him,  having 

bene  five  times  chosen  Consul,  in  his  first  yere  of  his  Consul-  Fabius  five 

shippe,  he  triumphed  over  the  Ligurians  (which  be  people  of  times  Consul. 

the  mountaines,  and  upon  the  coast  of  Genua)  who  being 

overthrowen  by  him  in  a great  battell,  where  they  had  lost 

many  men,  they  were  compelled  to  goe  their  waye,  and  to 

take  the  Alpes  for  their  succour,  and  durst  no  more  appeare 

upon  the  borders  of  Italie,  whereupon  they  dyd  confine. 

Hannibal  entring  Italy  afterwards  with  a great  armie,  and 
having  wonne  the  first  battell  neere  unto  the  river  of  Trebia : 
he  passed  further,  and  went  through  Thuscan,  wasting  and  Hannibal 
distroying  all  the  countrie  as  he  passed  by.  This  made  destroyeth 
Rome  quake  for  feare.  Besides  they  sawe  many  signes  and 
tokens,  some  common  unto  them,  as  thundering,  lightning, 
and  such  other  like : but  other  also  more  straunge,  never 
seene  nor  heard  of  before.  For  it  was  reported  that  certen 
targets  were  waxen  all  bloudie  of  them  selves,  and  that  about  Wonders, 
the  cittie  of  Antium  they  found  wheate  eares,  which  were 
all  bloudie  when  they  were  reaped : that  there  fell  from 
heaven,  burning  stones  all  in  a flame  of  fire : and  in  the 
countrie  of  the  Phalerians  how  the  element  seemed  to  open, 
and  many  litle  written  scrolles  fell  downe  upon  the  ground, 
in  one  of  the  which  were  written  these  wordes,  worde  for 
worde : 4 Mars  doth  now  handle  his  weapons.’  But  all  these 
signes  and  wonders  dyd  nothing  appawle  nor  daunte  the 
boldnes  of  Caius  Flaminius,  Consul  then : who  besides  the  Flaminius 
naturall  great  corage,  and  aspiring  minde  he  had  to  honour,  rashenes. 
yet  was  it  beyond  all  reason  increased  in  him,  by  the  won- 
derfull  good  successe  he  had  before.  For,  notwithstanding 
the  Senate  called  him  home  againe,  and  that  his  fellowe 
Consul  stoode  against  his  intent : he  for  all  that  dyd  geve 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

FABIUS  battell  to  the  Gaules,  in  despight  of  them  all,  and  wanne 
MAXIMUS  the  victorie.  Likewise,  though  all  these  signes  and  wonders 
in  the  ayer,  dyd  greatly  trouble,  and  amaze  multitudes  of 
people : yet  did  they  nothing  trouble  Fabius,  for  he  sawe 
no  apparant  cause  to  be  troubled  withall.  But  he  under- 
standing the  small  number  of  his  enemies,  and  the  lacke  of 
Fabius  wise  money  that  was  among  them : gave  counsell,  and  was  of 

counsell.  opinion  they  should  paciently  forbeare  a litle,  and  not  to 

hazard  battell  against  a man,  whose  armie  hadde  bene  long 
trained  in  warres,  and  by  many  foughten  fields  was  growen 
valliant  and  expert.  Moreover,  he  thought  good  they  should 
send  ayde  to  their  subjects,  and  other  their  allies  and  con- 
federates, as  neede  required,  to  keepe  their  citties  still  under 
their  obedience : and  in  the  meane  season  by  tract  of  time, 
to  weare  out  Hanniballs  force  and  power,  which  was  like 
strawe  set  a fire,  that  straight  geveth  forth  a blase,  and  yet 
hath  no  substaunce  to  holde  fire  long.  When  Fabius  had 
thus  sayed  enough  to  persuade  Flaminius,  yet  it  would  not 
sincke  into  Flaminius  heade : for,  sayeth  he,  I will  not  tarie 
untill  the  warres  come  to  Rome  gates,  neither  will  I be 
brought  to  fight  upon  the  walles  of  the  cittie,  to  defend  it, 
and  as  Camillus  dyd,  that  fought  within  the  cittie  selfe  in 
olde  time.  Whereupon  he  commaunded  his  captaines  to 
set  out  their  bandes  to  the  field,  and  he  him  selfe  tooke  his 
horse  backe  : which  upon  the  sodaine,  without  any  cause  was 
so  afeard,  and  tooke  so  on  with  him  selfe,  that  he  cast  the 
Consul  to  the  grounde  with  his  heade  forward.  For  all  this 
fall  he  would  not  chaunge  his  minde,  but  helde  on  his  jorney 
toward  Hannibal,  and  presented  him  battell  in  Thuscan,  by 
TheRomaines  the  lake  called  Thrasimena,  which  is  the  lake  of  Perusia. 
slaine  by  the  This  battell  was  so  fiercely  fought  on  both  sides,  that  not- 
mena  iaS1"  withstanding  there  was  such  a terrible  earthquake  there- 
while,  that  some  citties  were  overthrowen  and  turned  topsi 
turvey,  some  rivers  had  their  streames  turned  against  their 
course,  and  the  foote  of  the  mountaines  were  torne  in  sonder, 
and  broken  open  : yet  not  one  of  them  that  were  fighting, 
Flaminius  the  heard  any  such  thing  at  all.  Flaminius  the  Consul  selfe 
Consul  slaine.  was  slaine  at  that  battell,  after  he  had  in  his  owne  persone 
done  many  a valliant  acte,  and  many  of  the  worthiest  gentle- 
52 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

men  and  valliantest  souldiers  of  his  armie  laye  dead  about 
him : the  residue  being  fled,  the  slaughter  was  great,  for  the 
bodies  slaine  were  fifteene  thousand,  and  so  many  prisoners 
left  alive.  After  this  overthrowe,  Hannibal  made  all  the 
searche  he  could  possible  to  finde  the  ^odie  of  Flaminius, 
to  burie  him  honorably,  bicause  of  his  valliantnes : but  he 
could  never  be  founde  amongest  the  dead  bodies,  neither  was 
it  ever  hearde  what  became  of  it.  Now  as  touching  the  first 
overthrowe  at  Trebia,  neither  the  generall  that  wrote  it,  nor 
the  post  that  brought  the  first  newes  to  Rome,  tolde  the 
trothe  of  it  as  it  was,  but  fayned  that  the  ende  was  doubt- 
full,  and  that  they  could  not  tell  who  had  the  best.  But  of 
this  battell,  so  sone  as  the  Praetor  Pomponius  had  receyved 
the  newes,  he  called  all  the  people  to  counsell,  where  with- 
out disguising  or  dissembling  at  all,  he  playnely  sayed  thus 
unto  them  : My  Lordes,  we  have  lost  the  battell,  our  army  is 
overthrowen,  and  the  Consul  him  selfe  is  slaine  in  the  field  : 
wherefore  consider  what  you  have  to  doe,  and  provide  for 
your  safety.  These  wordes  spoken  to  the  people,  as  it  had 
bene  a boysterous  storme  of  weather  that  had  fallen  on  them 
from  the  sea,  to  put  them  in  daunger,  dyd  so  terrifie  the 
multitude,  and  trouble  the  whole  citie  for  feare : that  they 
were  all  in  a maze,  and  knewe  not  what  to  determine.  Yet 
in  the  ende  they  all  agreed,  that  it  stoode  them  upon  to  have 
a chief  magistrate,  called  in  Latin  Dictatura , that  should  be 
a man  of  corage,  and  could  stowtely  use  it  without  sparing 
or  fearing  any  persone.  And  for  this,  Fabius  Maximus  was 
thought  the  only  man  mete  to  be  chosen,  as  he,  whose  noble 
corage  and  grave  behaviour  was  aunswerable,  to  the  dignitie 
and  soveraintie  of  the  office : and  moreover,  that  to  his 
gravity  and  wisedome  there  was  joyned  (by  reasonable  age) 
strength  of  bodie,  and  valliantnes  with  experience.  This 
counsell  being  confirmed  by  them  all,  Fabius  was  chosen 
Dictator,  who  named  Lucius  Minutius  generall  of  the  horse- 
men. Then  he  first  required  the  Senate,  that  they  would 
graunte  him  he  might  have  his  horse  in  the  warres : the 
which  was  not  lawfull  for  the  Dictator,  but  expressely  for- 
bidden by  an  auncient  order.  Either  bicause  they  thought 
the  chiefest  force  of  their  armie  dyd  consist  in  their  foote- 

53 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Fabius 

Dictator. 

The  Dictator 
might  not  ride 
in  the  warres. 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


The  majestie 
of  Fabius  the 
Dictator. 


Fabius 

religion. 


The  Sibylles 
bookes  of 
prophecies. 


Fabius  vowe. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

men,  which  caused  the  making  of  this  lawe : whereby  the 
generall  should  be  amongest  them  in  the  daye  of  the  battell, 
and  in  no  wise  should  forsake  them.  Or  els  bicause  the 
authoritie  of  this  magistrate  in  all  other  things  was  so  great, 
that  it  was  in  manner  after  the  state  of  a King : yet  all 
this  notwithstanding,  they  were  willing  thereunto,  and  that 
the  Dictator  should  have  absolute  power  over  the  people. 
Fabius  at  his  first  comming,  bicause  he  would  shewe  the 
majestie  and  dignitie  of  his  office,  and  that  every  man 
should  be  the  more  obedient  and  readie  at  his  commaunde- 
ment:  when  he  went  abroade,  he  had  foure  and  twentie 
sergeants  before  him,  carying  the  bundells  of  roddes,  and 
axes.  And  when  one  of  the  Consulls  came  to  him,  he  sent 
a sergeant  to  commaund  his  bundell  of  roddes  that  were 
caried  before  him,  to  be  put  downe,  and  all  other  tokens  of 
dignitie  to  be  layed  a side : and  that  he  should  come  and 
speake  with  him,  as  a private  man.  And  first  to  make  a 
good  foundation,  and  to  beginne  with  the  service  of  the 
goddes:  he  declared  unto  the  people,  that  the  losse  they 
had  receyved,  came  through  the  rashenes  and  willfull  negli- 
gence of  their  captaine,  who  made  no  reckoning  of  the 
goddes  nor  religion : and  not  through  any  defaulte  and 
cowardlines  of  the  souldiers.  And  for  this  cause  he  dyd 
persuade  them  not  to  be  afrayed  of  their  enemies,  but  to 
appease  the  wrath  of  the  goddes,  and  to  serve  and  honour 
them.  Not  that  he  made  them  hereby  superstitious,  but 
dyd  confirme  their  valiancy  with  true  religion  and  godlines  : 
and  besides  dyd  utterly  take  awaye  and  aswage  their  feare 
of  their  enemies,  by  geving  them  certaine  hope  and  assur- 
aunce  of  the  ayde  of  the  goddes.  Then  were  the  holy  bookes 
of  the  Sibylles  prophesies  perused,  which  are  kept  very 
secret : and  therein  they  founde  certaine  auncient  prophecies 
and  oracles,  which  spake  of  the  present  misfortunes  of  the 
time.  But  what  were  conteined  therein,  it  is  not  lawfull  to 
be  uttered  to  any  persone.  Afterwards  the  Dictator,  before 
the  open  assembly  of  the  people,  made  a solemne  vowe  unto 
the  goddes,  that  he  would  sacrifice  all  the  profits  and  fruites 
that  should  fall  the  next  yere,  of  sheepe,  of  sowes,  of  milche 
kyne,  and  of  goates  in  all  the  mountaines,  champion  count rie, 
54 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

rivers,  or  meadowes  of  Italie.  And  he  would  celebrate  playes 
of  musike,  and  shewe  other  sightes  in  the  honour  of  the 
goddes,  and  would  bestowe  upon  the  same  the  summe  of 
three  hundred  three  and  thirtie  Sestercians,  and  three 
hundred  three  and  thirtie  Romaine  pence,  and  a third 
parte  over.  All  which  summe  reduced  into  Graecian  money, 
amownteth  to  foure  score  three  thousand,  five  hundred,  and 
foure  score,  and  three  silver  drachmas,  and  two  obolos.  Now 
it  were  a hard  thing  to  tell  the  reason  why  he  doth  mention 
this  summe  so  precisely,  and  why  he  dyd  devide  it  by  three, 
unles  it  were  to  extolle  the  power  of  the  number  of  three : 
bicause  it  is  a perfect  number  by  the  nature,  and  is  the  first 
of  the  odde  numbers,  which  is  the  beginning  of  divers 
numbers,  and  conteineth  in  it  self  the  first  differences,  and 
the  first  elements  and  principles  of  all  the  numbers  united 
and  joyned  together.  So  Fabius  having  brought  the  people 
to  hope,  and  trust  to  have  the  ayde  and  favour  of  the  goddes : 
made  them  in  the  ende  the  better  disposed  to  live  well  after- 
wardes.  Then  Fabius  hoping  after  victorie,  and  that  the 
goddes  would  send  good  lucke  and  prosperitie  unto  men, 
through  their  valliantnes  and  wisdome : dyd  straight  set 
forwards  unto  Hannibal,  not  as  minded  to  fight  with  him, 
but  fully  resolved  to  weare  out  his  strength  and  power,  by 
delayes  and  tract  of  time : and  to  increase  his  povertie  by 
the  long  spending  of  his  owne  money,  and  to  consume  the 
small  number  of  his  people,  with  the  great  number  of  his 
souldiers.  Fabius  camped  allwayes  in  the  strong  and  highe 
places  of  the  mountaines,  out  of  all  daunger  of  his  enemies 
horsemen,  and  coasted  still  after  the  enemie : so  that  when 
Hannibal  stayed  in  any  place,  Fabius  also  stayed:  if  Hannibal 
removed,  he  followed  him  straight,  and  would  be  allwayes 
neere  him,  but  never  forsooke  the  hilles,  neither  would  he 
come  so  neere  him,  as  that  he  should  be  inforced  to  fight 
against  his  will.  Yet  allwayes  he  followed  the  enemie  at  his 
tayle,  and  made  him  ever  afeard  of  him,  thincking  still  that 
he  sought  to  get  the  vantage,  to  geve  the  charge  upon  him. 
Thus  by  delaying,  and  prolonging  the  time  in  this  sorte  : he 
became  disliked  of  every  bodye.  For  every  man  both  in  his 
owne  campe,  and  abroade,  spake  very  ill  of  him  openly : and 

55 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Fabius  doings 

against 

Hannibal. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


FABIUS  as  for  his  enemies,  they  tooke  him  for  no  better,  then  a 
MAXIMUS  rancke  coward,  Hannibal  only  excepted.  But  he  perceyving 
his  great  reache  and  policie,  and  foreseeing  the  manner  of 
fight,  sawe  there  was  no  remedy,  but  by  playne  force  or 
slight  to  bring  him  to  the  fight : for  otherwise  his  delaye 
would  overthrowe  the  Carthaginians,  when  they  should  not 
come  to  handy  strokes  with  him,  wherein  only  consisted  all 
their  hope  and  strength,  and  in  the  meane  time  his  souldiers 
should  fall  away,  and  dye,  and  his  money  was  scante,  and 
him  selfe  should  growe  the  weaker.  Thereupon  Hannibal 
beganne  to  bethinke  him,  and  devise  all  the  stratageames 
and  policies  of  warre  he  could  imagine  : and  like  a cunning 
wrestler,  to  seeke  out  all  the  trickes  he  could  to  geve  his 
adversarie  the  falle.  For  sodainely,  he  would  goe  and  geve 
alarom  to  his  campe : by  and  by  againe  he  would  retire. 
Another  time  he  would  remove  his  campe,  from  one  place  to 
another,  and  geve  him  some  advantage,  to  see  if  he  could 
plucke  his  lingring  devise  out  of  his  head,  and  yet  to  hazard 
nothing.  But  as  for  Fabius,  he  continued  still  resolute  in 
his  first  determination  : that  delaye  of  fight  was  the  best 
Minutius  waye  so  to  overthrowe  him.  Howbeit  Minutius,  generall 
generallofthe  of  his  horsemen,  dyd  trouble  him  muche.  For  he  being 
horsemen^dis-  earnestly  bent  to  fight  without  discretion,  and  braving  of 
a lustie  corage,  crept  into  opinion  with  the  souldiers,  by  his 
whotte  furie  and  desire  to  fight.  Which  wrought  muche  in 
them,  and  so  sturred  up  their  corages,  that  they  mocked 
Fabius  altogether : and  called  him  Hanniballs  schoole- 
master : and  contrariwise  they  commended  Minutius,  for 
a valliant  captaine,  and  worthie  Romaine.  This  made 
Minutius  looke  highe,  and  have  a prowde  opinion  of  him 
selfe,  mocking  Fabius  bicause  he  ever  lodged  on  the  hilles, 
with  saying,  the  Dictator  would  make  them  goodly  sportes, 
to  see  their  enemies  waste  and  burne  Italy  before  their  face. 
Moreover,  he  asked  Fabius  friendes,  whether  he  would  in 
the  ende  lodge  his  campe  in  the  skye,  that  he  dyd  clyme  up 
so  highe  upon  mountaines,  mistrusting  the  earthe : or  els 
that  he  was  so  affrayed,  his  enemies  would  finde  him  out, 
that  he  went  to  hyde  him  selfe  in  the  clowdes.  Fabius 
friendes  made  reporte  of  these  jeastes,  and  advised  him 
56 


pised  Fabius 
counsell. 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


rather  to  hazard  battell,  then  to  beare  suche  reproachefull 
wordes  as  were  spoken  of  him.  But  Fabius  aunswered 
them : If  I should  yeld  to  that  you  counsell  me,  I should 
shewe  my  selfe  a greater  coward  then  I am  taken  for 
now  : by  leaving  my  determination,  for  feare  of  their  mockes 
and  spightfull  wordes.  For  it  is  no  shame  for  a man  to 
stand  fearefull,  and  jealous,  of  the  welfare  and  safetie 
of  his  countrie:  but  otherwise  to  be  afeard  of  the  wagg- 
ing of  every  strawe,  or  to  regard  every  common  prating, 
it  is  not  the  parte  of  a worthie  man  of  charge,  but 
rather  of  a base  minded  persone,  to  seeke  to  please  those 
whom  he  ought  to  commaunde  and  governe,  bicause  they 
are  but  fooles.  After  this,  Hannibal  chaunced  to  fall 
into  a great  errour.  For  intending  to  leave  Fabius  to 
bring  his  armie  into  the  playnes,  where  there  was  plentie  of 
vittells,  and  store  of  pasture  to  feede  his  horse  and  cattell : 
he  commaunded  his  guydes  to  bring  him  straight  after  supper, 
into  the  playne  of  Casinum.  They  mistaking  his  wordes, 
and  not  understanding  well  what  he  sayed,  bicause  his  Italian 
tongue  was  but  meane : tooke  one  thing  for  another,  and  so 
brought  him  and  his  armie  to  the  ende  of  a feild  neere  the 
cittie  of  Casilinum,  through  the  middest  of  the  which  ronneth 
a river,  the  Romaines  call  Vulturnus.  Nowe  the  countrie 
lying  by  it,  was  a valley  compassed  in  with  mountaines 
round  about,  saving  that  the  river  went  to  the  sea : where 
leaving  his  owne  banckes,  it  spreadeth  abroade  into  the 
marisses,  and  banckes  of  sande  very  deepe,  and  in  the  ende 
fell  into  that  parte  of  the  sea  which  is  most  daungerous,  and 
there  was  neither  succour  nor  covert.  Hannibal  being  now 
fallen  as  it  were  into  the  bottome  of  a sacke,  Fabius  that 
knewe  the  countrie,  and  was  very  perfect  in  all  the  wayes 
thereaboutes,  followed  him  steppe  by  steppe,  and  stopped 
his  passage,  where  he  should  have  come  out  of  the  valley, 
with  foure  thousand  footemen,  which  he  planted  there  to 
keepe  the  straight,  and  disposed  the  rest  of  his  armie  upon 
the  hanginges  of  the  hilles,  in  the  most  apt  and  fit  places 
all  about.  Then  with  his  light  horse  men  he  gave  a charge, 
upon  the  rereward  of  his  enemies  battell : which  put  all 
Hannibals  armie  by  and  by  out  of  order,  and  so  there  were 

2 : H 57 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Hannibal  fell 
into  great 
errour. 


Casilinum 
a cittie. 

Vulturnus  ft 


Hannibal 
set  upon  by 
Fabius. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

FABIUS  slaine  eight  hundred  of  his  men.  Whereupon  Hannibal 
MAXIMUS  would  have  removed  his  campe  thence  immediatly,  and 
knowing  then  the  faulte  his  guydes  had  made,  taking  one 
place  for  another,  and  the  daunger  wherein  they  had  brought 
him : he  roundely  trussed  them  up,  and  honge  them  by  the 
neckes.  Now  to  force  his  enemies  to  come  downe  from  the 
toppes  of  the  hilles,  and  to  winne  them  from  their  strength, 
he  sawe  it  was  unpossible,  and  out  of  all  hope.  Wherefore, 
perceyving  his  souldiers  both  afrayed  and  discouraged,  for 
that  they  sawe  them  selves  hemmed  in  on  all  sides,  without 
Hannibals  any  order  to  escape:  Hannibal  determined  to  deceyve  Fabius 
stratageame.  by  a devise.  He  caused  straight  two  thousand  oxen  to  be 
chosen  out  of  the  heard,  which  they  had  taken  before  in  their 
spoyles,  and  tyed  to  their  homes  light  bundells  of  reedes, 
and  sallowe  faggottes,  or  bunches  of  the  dead  cuttings  of 
vines : and  commaunded  the  drovers  that  had  the  charge 
of  them,  that  when  they  sawe  any  signall  or  token  lift  up 
in  the  ayer  in  the  night,  they  should  then  straight  set  fire 
on  those  bundels  and  bunches,  and  drive  up  the  beastes  to 
the  hilles,  toward  the  wayes  where  the  enemies  laye.  Whilest 
these  things  were  a preparing,  he  on  the  other  side  ranged 
his  armie  in  order  of  battell : and  when  night  came,  caused 
them  to  marche  fayer  and  softely.  Now  these  beastes,  whilest 
the  fyre  was  but  litle  that  burnt  upon  their  homes,  went  but 
fayer  and  softly  up  the  hill  from  the  foote  of  the  mountaines 
from  whence  they  were  driven.  In  so  muche  as  the  heard 
men  that  were  on  the  toppe  of  the  mountaines,  wondred 
marvelously  to  see  suche  flames  and  fires  about  the  homes 
of  so  many  beastes,  as  if  it  had  bene  an  armie  marching 
in  order  of  battell  with  lightes  and  torches.  But  when  their 
homes  came  to  be  burnt  to  the  stumpes,  and  that  the  force  of 
the  fyre  dyd  frye  their  very  fleshe  : then  beganne  the  oxen  to 
fight  together,  and  to  shake  their  heades,  wherby  they  dyd 
set  one  another  a fyre.  Then  left  they  their  softe  pace,  and 
went  no  more  in  order  as  they  dyd  before,  but  for  the  ex- 
treme payne  they  felt,  beganne  to  runne  here  and  there  in 
the  mountaines,  carying  fyre  still  about  their  homes,  and  in 
their  tayles,  and  set  fyre  of  all  the  boughes  and  coppesies 
they  passed  by.  This  was  a straunge  sight  to  looke  upon, 
58 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


and  dyd  muche  amase  the  Romaines  that  kept  the  passages 
of  the  mountaines,  for  they  thought  they  had  bene  men  that 
ranne  here  and  there  with  torches  in  their  handes.  Where- 
upon they  were  in  a marvelous  feare  and  trouble,  supposing 
they  had  bene  their  enemies  that  ranne  thus  towards  them, 
to  environne  them  of  all  sides : so  as  they  durst  no  more 
keepe  the  passages  which  they  were  commaunded,  but  for- 
saking the  straightes,  beganne  to  flye  towards  their  mayne 
and  great  campe.  Thereupon  Hannibals  light  horse  men 
immediatly  possessed  the  straights  that  were  kept : by  reason 
whereof,  all  the  rest  of  his  armie  marched  out  at  their  ease 
and  leysure,  without  feare  or  daunger,  notwithstanding  that 
they  were  loden  and  troubled  with  marvelous  great  spoyles, 
and  of  all  kynde  of  sortes.  Fabius  then  perceyved  very  well 
the  same  night,  that  it  was  but  a slight  of  Hannibal : for 
some  of  the  oxen  that  fled  here  and  there  fell  upon  his 
armie.  Whereupon  fearing  to  fall  upon  some  ambushe  by 
reason  of  the  darke  night,  he  kept  his  men  in  battell  raye, 
without  sturring,  or  making  any  noise.  The  next  morning 
by  breake  of  daye,  he  beganne  to  followe  his  enemie  by  the 
tracke,  and  fell  upon  the  tayle  of  the  rereward,  with  whom  he 
skirmished  within  the  straites  of  the  mountaines  : and  so  dyd 
distresse  somewhat  Hannibals  armie.  Hannibal  thereupon 
sent  out  of  his  vauntgarde  a certaine  number  of  Spaniards 
(very  lusty  and  nymble  fellowes,  that  were  used  to  the  moun- 
taines, and  acquainted  with  climing  up  upon  them)  who 
comming  downe,  and  setting  upon  the  Romaines  that  were 
heavy  armed,  slue  a great  number  of  them,  and  made  Fabius 
to  retire.  Thereupon  they  despised  Fabius  the  more,  and 
thought  worse  of  him  then  they  dyd  before  : bicause  his 
pretence  and  determination  was  not  to  be  brought  to  fight 
with  Hannibal,  but  by  wisedome  and  policie  to  overthrowe 
him,  where  as  he  him  selfe  by  Hannibal  was  first  finely 
handled  and  deceyved.  Hannibal  then  to  bring  Fabius 
further  in  disliking  and  suspition  with  the  Romaines,  com- 
maunded his  souldiers  when  they  came  neere  any  of  Fabius 
landes,  that  they  should  burne  and  destroye  all  round  about 
them,  but  gave  them  in  charge  in  no  wise  to  medle  with 
Fabius  landes,  nor  any  thing  of  his,  and  dyd  purposely 

59 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Hannibals 

craftines 

against 

Fabius. 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Fabius 
chaungeth 
prisoners  with 
Hannibal. 


Fabius  re- 
demeth  the 
prisoners  with 
his  money. 

Fabius  leaveth 
Minutius  his 
lieftenant  in 
the  field. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

appointe  a garrison  to  see  that  nothing  of  Fabius  should  mis- 
carie,  nor  yet  take  hurte.  This  was  straight  caried  to  Rome, 
which  dyd  thereby  the  more  incense  the  people  against  him. 
And  to  helpe  it  forward,  the  Tribunes  never  ceased  crying 
out  upon  him  in  their  orations  to  the  people,  and  all  by 
Metellus  speciall  procurement  and  persuasion : who  of  him 
selfe  had  no  cause  to  mislike  with  Fabius,  but  only  bicause 
he  was  Minutius  kinseman  (generall  of  the  horsemen)  and 
thought  that  the  ill  opinion  they  bare  to  Fabius,  would 
turne  to  the  prayse  and  advauncement  of  Minutius.  The 
Senate  also  were  muche  offended  with  Fabius,  for  the  com- 
position he  made  with  Hannibal,  touching  the  prisoners 
taken  of  either  side.  For  it  was  articled  betweene  them, 
that  they  should  chaunge  prisoners,  delivering  man  for  man, 
or  els  two  hundred  and  fiftie  silver  drachmas  for  a man,  if 
the  one  chaunced  to  have  moe  prisoners  then  the  other. 
When  exchaunge  was  made  betweene  them,  it  appeared 
that  Hannibal  had  left  in  his  handes  of  Romaine  prisoners, 
two  hundred  and  fortie  moe,  then  Fabius  had  to  exchaunge 
of  his.  The  Senate  commaunded  there  should  be  no  money 
sent  to  redeeme  them,  and  greatly  founde  faulte  with  Fabius 
for  making  this  accorde : bicause  it  was  neither  honorable, 
nor  profitable  for  the  common  weale  to  redeeme  men  that 
cowardly  suffered  them  selves  to  be  taken  prisoners  of  their 
enemies.  Fabius  understanding  it,  dyd  paciently  beare  this 
displeasure  conceyved  against  him  by  the  Senate.  Howbeit 
having  no  money,  and  meaning  to  keepe  his  worde,  and  not 
to  leave  the  poore  cittizens  prisoners  behinde  him : he  sent 
his  sonne  to  Rome,  with  commission  to  sell  his  landes,  and 
to  bring  him  money  immediatly.  The  young  man  went  his 
waye  to  Rome,  and  sold  his  fathers  farmes,  and  brought  him 
money  forthwith  to  the  campe : Fabius  therewith  redeemed 
the  prisoners,  and  sent  their  ransome  unto  Hannibal.  Many 
of  the  prisoners  whom  he  had  redeemed,  offred  to  repaye  him 
their  ransome : but  he  would  never  take  any  thing  againe, 
and  gave  them  all  their  ransome  freely.  Afterwards  being 
called  to  Rome  by  the  priestes  to  doe  certaine  solemne  sacri- 
fices, he  left  the  armie  in  charge  with  Minutius,  to  governe 
the  same  in  his  absence,  with  condition  not  to  set  upon  the 
60 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

enemie,  nor  to  fight  with  him  at  all : the  which  not  only  by  FABIUS 
his  authoritie  he  dyd  expressely  forbid  him,  but  also  as  his  MAXIMUS 
very  friende,  he  dyd  warne  and  intreate  him  in  no  wise  to 
attempt.  Howbeit  Minutius  litle  regarding  his  commaunde- 
mentes  or  requestes,  so  sone  as  Fabius  backe  was  turned, 
beganne  to  be  somewhat  lustie,  and  doing  with  his  enemies. 

So  one  daye  amongest  the  rest,  Minutius  perceyving  Hannibal 

had  sent  a great  parte  of  his  armie  abroade  to  forrage  and 

get  vittells  : came  and  set  upon  them  that  remained  behinde, 

and  drave  them  into  their  campe,  with  great  slaughter,  and 

dyd  put  them  in  a marvelous  feare  that  were  saved,  as  men 

that  looked  for  no  lesse,  but  to  have  bene  besieged  in  their 

campe.  Afterwardes  also,  when  their  whole  armie  came 

together  againe:  he  retired  backe  in  spight  of  them  all, 

and  lost  not  a man.  This  exploite  set  Minutius  in  a 

pryde,  and  brought  the  souldiers  to  be  more  rashe  then 

they  were  before.  The  newes  of  this  overthrowe  went 

with  speede  to  Rome,  and  there  they  made  it  a great 

deale  more  then  it  was.  Fabius  hearing  of  it,  sayed : he 

was  more  afeard  of  Minutius  prosperitie,  then  of  his  owne  Minutius 

adversitie.  But  the  common  people  rejoyced  marvelosly,  and  rashenes. 

made  great  shewe  of  joye  up  and  downe  the  market  place. 

Whereupon  Metellus  one  of  the  Tribunes  going  up  into  the  Fabius 
pulpit,  made  an  oration  unto  the  people,  in  the  which  he  accused  of 
highely  magnified  Minutius,  and  commended  his  corage  : and  ' the 

contrarily  charged  Fabius  no  more  of  cowardlines,  but  with  Tribune 
flat  treason.  Furthermore,  he  dyd  accuse  the  Nobilitie  and 
greatest  men  of  Rome,  saying : that  from  the  first  beginning 
they  had  layed  a platte  to  drawe  these  warres  out  at  length, 
only  to  destroye  the  peoples  power  and  authoritie,  having 
brought  the  whole  common  weale,  to  the  state  of  a monarchy, 
and  into  the  handes  of  a private  persone.  Who  by  his  re- 
missenes  and  delayes,  would  geve  Hannibal  leysure  to  plante 
him  selfe  in  Italie,  and  by  time  geve  open  passage  to  the  Car- 
thaginians, at  their  pleasure  to  send  Hannibal  a second  ayde 
and  armie,  to  make  a full  conquest  of  all  Italie.  Fabius 
hearing  these  wordes,  rose  up  straight,  and  spake  to  the 
people,  and  taried  not  about  the  aunswering  of  the  accusa- 
tions the  Tribune  had  burdened  him  withall,  but  prayed 

61 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


The  crueltie 
of  Manlius 
Torquatus 
to  his  sonne 
after  his 
victorie. 


The  Dictator 
and  generall 
of  the  horse- 
men made 
equall  in 
authoritie. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

them  they  would  dispatche  these  sacrifices  and  ceremonies  of 
the  goddes,  that  he  might  spedilie  returne  againe  to  the 
campe,  to  punishe  Minutius,  for  breaking  his  commaunde- 
ment,  in  fighting  with  the  enemie.  He  had  no  soner  spoken 
these  wordes,  but  there  rose  a marvelous  tumulte  and  hurly 
burley  presently  among  the  people,  for  the  daunger  Minutius 
stoode  in  then : bicause  the  Dictator  had  absolute  power  and 
authoritie  to  imprisone  and  put  to  death,  whom  he  thought 
good,  without  ordinary  course  of  lawe  or  araynement.  More- 
over, they  dyd  judge,  since  Fabius  had  alate  left  his  accus- 
tomed mildnes  and  affabilitie,  that  he  would  growe  to  such 
severitie  in  his  anger,  that  it  would  be  a hard  thing  to 
appease  him.  Wherefore  every  man  held  their  peace  for 
feare,  saving  only  Metellus  the  Tribune.  He  having  autho- 
ritie by  vertue  of  his  office,  to  saye  what  he  thought  good, 
and  who  only  of  all  other  kept  still  his  place  and  authoritie, 
when  any  Dictator  was  chosen  : then  all  the  officers  that 
were  put  down,  instantly  besought  the  people  not  to  forsake 
Minutius,  nor  to  suffer  the  like  to  be  done  to  him,  as  Manlius 
Torquatus  dyd  alate  to  his  sonne,  who  strake  of  his  head, 
after  he  had  valliantly  fought  with  his  enemies  and  overcomed 
them,  for  breaking  his  commaundement.  And  beganne  to 
persuade  them  further,  to  take  this  tyrannicall  power  of  the 
Dictatorshippe  from  Fabius : and  to  put  their  affayers  into 
the  handes  of  him,  that  would  and  could  tell  howe  to  bring 
them  safely  to  passe.  The  people  were  tickled  marvelously 
with  these  seditious  wordes,  but  yet  they  durst  not  force 
Fabius  to  resigne  his  Dictatorshippe,  though  they  bare  him 
great  grudge,  and  were  angrie  with  him  in  their  hartes.  How- 
beit  they  ordeined  that  Minutius  thenceforth  should  have 
equall  power  and  authoritie  with  the  Dictator  in  the  warres, 
a thing  that  was  never  seene  nor  heard  of  before,  and  yet 
the  very  same  done  in  that  sorte  againe,  after  the  battell  of 
Cannes.  For  Marcus  Iunius  being  at  that  time  Dictator  in 
the  campe,  they  dyd  choose  another  Dictator  at  Rome,  which 
was  Fabius  Buteo,  to  name  and  create  newe  Senators  in  the 
place  of  those  that  were  slaine  in  the  battell.  But  after  he 
had  named  them,  and  restored  the  full  number  againe  of  the 
counsell  of  the  Senate  : he  discharged  the  selfe  same  daye  the 
62 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

sergeants  that  caried  the  axes  before  him,  and  sent  awaye 
the  traine  that  waited  upon  him,  and  dyd  so  put  him  selfe 
in  prease  of  the  people  in  the  market  place,  and  followed 
his  owne  peculiar  busines  as  a private  persone.  Nowe  the 
Romaines  imagined,  that  when  Fabius  should  see  ho  we  they 
had  made  Minutius  equall  in  authoritie  with  him,  it  would 
greve  him  to  the  harte  for  very  anger : but  they  came  shorte 
to  judge  of  his  nature,  for  he  dyd  not  thincke  that  their  folly 
should  hurte  or  dishonour  him  at  all.  But  as  wise  Diogenes 
aunswered  one  that  sayed  unto  him,  Looke,  they  mocke  thee: 
Tushe  (sayd  he)  they  mocke  not  me.  Meaning  thereby,  that 
he  tooke  them  to  be  mocked,  that  were  offended  with  their 
mockes.  Thus  Fabius  tooke  every  thing  quietly,  that  the 
people  offered  him,  and  dyd  comfort  him  selfe  with  the 
philosophers  rules  and  examples : who  doe  mainteine,  that 
an  honest  and  wise  man,  can  no  waye  be  injured  nor  dis- 
honoured. For  all  the  displeasure  he  receyved  by  the  peoples 
follie,  was  in  respect  of  the  common  wealth  : bicause  they  had 
put  a sworde  into  a mad  mans  hande,  in  geving  Minutius 
authoritie  to  followe  his  rashe  humour,  and  fonde  ambition 
in  the  warres.  Wherefore,  fearing  least  he  being  blinded  with 
vaine  glorie,  and  presumptuous  opinion  of  him  selfe,  should 
rashely  (and  upon  a head)  hasten  to  doe  some  great  hurte 
before  he  came  to  the  campe  : he  departed  sodainely  out  of 
Rome  without  any  mans  knowledge,  to  returne  againe  to  the 
campe,  where  he  found  Minutius  so  prowde  and  stowte,  that 
he  was  not  to  be  delt  with.  For  he  would  nedes  have  the 
authoritie  to  commaund  the  whole  armie  when  it  came  to  his 
turne.  But  Fabius  would  not  consent  to  that,  but  devided 
the  one  halfe  of  the  armie  betweene  them  : thincking  it  better 
he  should  alone  commaunde  the  one  halfe,  then  the  whole 
army  by  turnes.  So  he  chose  for  him  selfe,  the  first  and  third 
legion  : and  gave  unto  him,  the  seconde  and  fourth,  and  de- 
vided also  betwene  them  the  ayde  of  their  friends.  And 
when  Minutius  made  his  boaste,  that  the  majestie  of  the 
highest  magistrate  was  brought  lower  for  his  sake  : Fabius 
tolde  him  that  he  might  thincke,  if  he  were  wise,  he  had  not 
to  fight  with  him,  but  with  Hannibal : and  if  he  would  nedes 
contend  against  his  companion,  yet  he  should  have  a speciall 

63 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Diogenes 

wordes. 


Minutius 

pride. 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Haiinibal 
layed  ambush 
for  Minutius. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

regard  and  consideration,  that  having  wonne  nowe  the  citti- 
zens  good  willes,  by  whom  he  was  so  much  honoured,  he 
should  have  no  lesse  care  of  their  healthe  and  safety,  then  he 
had,  who  was  nowe  troden  under  foote,  and  ill  intreated  by 
them.  Minutius  tooke  his  lesson,  for  a counterfeate  mocke, 
after  olde  mens  manners  and  facion : and  so  taking  the  one 
half  of  the  armie  unto  him,  went  and  lodged  alone  by  him 
self.  Hannibal  hearing  of  their  jarre  and  squaring  together, 
sought  straight  oportunitie  to  make  their  discord  finely  to 
serve  his  turne.  Nowe  there  was  a hill  betwene  both  their 
campes  not  very  harde  to  be  wonne,  and  it  was  an  excellent 
place  to  lodge  a campe  safely  in,  and  was  very  fitte  and  com- 
modious for  all  things.  The  fields  that  were  about  it,  dyd 
seeme  a farre  of  to  be  very  playne  and  even  ground,  bicause 
they  had  no  covert  of  wodde  to  shadowe  them,  yet  were  there 
many  ditches  and  litle  vallies  in  them : wherefore  Hannibal 
though  he  might  easely  have  taken  it  at  his  pleasure  if  he 
had  listed,  dyd  let  it  alone  in  the  middest  betwene  them,  for 
a bayte  to  drawe  out  his  enemies  to  the  battell.  Nowe  when 
Hannibal  sawe  Eabius  and  Minutius  lodged  a sonder,  he 
placed  certaine  bandes  in  the  night,  among  those  ditches  and 
valleyes.  Afterwardes  the  next  morning  by  breake  of  daye, 
he  sent  a small  number  of  men  openly  to  winne  this  hill : 
hoping  by  this  pollicie  to  traine  Minutius  out  to  the  field,  as 
it  fell  out  in  deede.  For  first  Minutius  sent  thither  his  light 
horsemen,  and  afterwardes  all  his  men  at  armes  : and  lastely 
perceyving  that  Hannibal  him  selfe  came  to  relieve  his  men 
that  were  upon  the  hill,  he  him  self  marched  forward  also 
with  all  the  rest  of  his  armie  in  order  of  battell,  and  gave  a 
whotte  charge  upon  them  that  defended  the  hill,  to  drive 
them  thence.  The  fight  continued  equall  a good  space  be- 
twene them  both,  untill  such  time  as  Hannibal  saw  his  enemie 
come  directly  within  his  daunger,  and  shewed  the  rereward 
of  his  battell  naked  unto  his  men,  whom  before  he  had  layed 
in  ambushe  : he  straight  raised  the  signall  he  had  geven  them. 
They  upon  that  discovered  all  together,  and  with  great  cries 
dyd  set  upon  the  rereward  of  the  Romaines,  and  slue  a great 
number  of  them  at  the  first  charge  : and  dyd  put  the  reste  in 
suche  a feare  and  disorder,  as  it  is  unpossible  to  expresse  it. 
64 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

Then  was  Minutius  rashe  braverie  and  fonde  boastes  muche 
cooled,  when  he  looked  first  upon  one  captaine,  then  upon 
another,  and  sawe  in  none  of  them  any  corage  to  tarie  by  it, 
but  rather  that  they  were  all  readie  to  ronne  away.  Which 
if  they  had  done,  they  had  bene  cast  awaye  every  man  : for 
the  Numidians  finding  they  were  the  stronger,  dyd  disperse 
themselves  all  about  the  plaine,  killing  all  stragglers  that 
fled.  Minutius  souldiers  being  brought  to  this  daunger  and 
distresse,  which  Fabius  foresawe  they  would  fall  into,  and 
having  upon  this  occasion  his  armie  readie  ranged  in  order 
of  battell,  to  see  what  would  be  come  of  Minutius,  not  by 
reporte  of  messengers,  but  with  his  owne  eyes  : he  got  him  to 
a litle  hill  before  his  campe,  where  when  he  sawe  Minutius 
and  all  his  men  compassed  about  on  every  side,  and  even 
staggering  and  ready  to  flye,  and  heard  besides  their  cries 
not  like  men  that  had  hartes  to  fight,  but  as  men  scared,  and 
ready  to  flye  for  feare  to  save  them  selves : he  clapped  his 
hande  on  his  thigh e,  and  fetched  a great  sighe,  saying  to 
those  that  were  about  him  : O goddes,  howe  Minutius  is  gone 
to  cast  him  selfe  awaye,  soner  then  I looked  for,  and  later 
then  he  desired  ? But  in  speaking  these  wordes,  he  made  his 
ensignes  marche  on  in  haste,  crying  out  alowde:  O my  friends, 
we  must  dispatche  with  speede  to  succour  Minutius : for  he 
is  a valliant  man  of  persone,  and  one  that  loveth  the  honour 
of  his  countrie.  And  though  with  overmuch  hardines  he 
hath  ventred  to  farre,  and  made  a faulte,  thinking  to  have 
put  the  enemies  to  flight : time  serveth  not  now  to  accuse 
him,  we  will  tell  him  of  it  hereafter.  So  he  presently  brake 
the  Numides,  and  disparsed  them,  that  laye  waiting  in  the 
fields  for  the  Romaines,  which  they  thought  would  have  fled. 
After wardes  he  went  further,  and  dyd  set  upon  them  that 
had  geven  charge  upon  the  rereward  of  Minutius  battell, 
where  he  slue  them  that  made  head  against  him.  The 
residue,  fearing  least  they  should  fall  into  the  daunger  they 
had  brought  the  Romaines  unto : before  they  were  environned 
in  of  all  sides,  dyd  turne  taile  straight  to  Fabius.  Now 
Hannibal  seeing  this  chaunge,  and  considering  howe  Fabius 
in  persone,  with  more  corage  then  his  age  required,  dyd 
make  a lane  in  the  middest  of  those  that  fought  against  the 
2:1  65 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Fabius  fore- 
sight in  the 
warre. 


Fabius  rescu- 
eth  Minutius, 
generall  of 
the  horsemen. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


The  great 
modestie  of 
Fabius. 

Minutius 
oration  to  his 
souldiers. 


The  wisedom 
of  Minutius 
acknowledg- 
ing his  fault. 


side  of  the  hill,  to  come  to  the  place  where  Minutius  was : 
he  made  the  battell  to  cease,  and  commaunded  to  sounde 
the  retreate,  and  so  drue  backe  his  men  againe  into  his 
campe,  the  Romaines  being  very  glad  also  they  might  retire 
with  safetie.  They  saye  Hannibal  in  his  retiring,  sayed 
merylie  to  his  friends : Have  not  I tolde  you  (Sirs)  many  a 
time  and  ofte,  of  the  hanging  clowde  we  sawe  on  the  toppe 
of  the  mountaines,  howe  it  would  breake  out  in  the  ende 
with  a tempest  that  would  fall  upon  us  ? After  this  battell, 
Fabius  having  stript  those  that  were  left  dead  in  the  field, 
retired  againe  to  his  owne  campe,  and  spake  not  an  ill  word 
of  Minutius  his  companion.  Minutius  then  being  come  to 
his  campe,  assembled  his  souldiers  and  spake  thus  to  them : 
4 My  friends,  not  to  erre  at  all,  enterprising  great  matters,  it 
4 is  a thing  passing  mans  nature  : but  to  take  warning  here- 
4 after,  by  faultes  that  are  paste  and  done,  it  is  the  parte  of 
4 a wise  and  valliant  man.  For  my  selfe,  I acknowledge  I 
4 have  no  lesse  occasion  to  prayse  fortune,  then  I have  also 
4 cause  to  complaine  of  her.  For  that  which  long  time  could 
4 never  teach  me,  I have  learned  by  experience  in  one  litle 
4 pece  of  a daye : and  that  is  this.  That  I am  not  able  to 
4 commaunde,  but  am  my  selfe  fitter  to  be  governed  and 
4 commaunded  by  another : and  that  I am  but  a foole  to 
4 stande  in  mine  owne  conceipt,  thinking  to  overcome  those, 
4 of  whom  it  is  more  honour  for  me  to  confesse  my  selfe  to  be 
4 overcome.  Therefore  I tell  you,  that  the  Dictator  Fabius 
4 henceforth  shalbe  he,  who  alone  shall  commaund  you  in  all 
4 things.  And  to  let  him  knowe  that  we  doe  all  acknowledge 
4 the  favour  which  we  have  presently  receyved  at  his  hands : I 
4 will  leade  you  to  geve  him  thankes,  and  will  my  selfe  be  the 
4 first  man  to  offer  to  obey  him  in  all  that  he  shall  commaund 
4 me.1  These  wordes  being  spoken,  he  commaunded  his  ensigne 
bearers  to  followe  him,  and  he  him  selfe  marched  formest 
towards  Fabius  campe.  When  he  came  thither,  he  went 
directly  to  the  Dictators  tente  : whereat  every  man  wondered, 
not  knowing  his  intent.  Fabius  came  out  to  mete  him. 
Minutius  after  he  had  set  downe  his  ensignes  at  his  feete, 
sayed  with  a lowde  voyce,  O father : and  his  souldiers  unto 
Fabius  souldiers,  O masters,  which  name  the  bondemen  that 
66 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

are  infranchesed,  doe  use  to  them  that  have  manumised  them. 
Afterwards  every  man  being  silent,  Minutius  beganne  alowde 
to  saye  unto  him : 4 My  lorde  Dictator,  this  daye  you  have 
4 wonne  two  victories.  The  one  of  Hannibal,  whom  valliantly 
4 you  have  overcome : the  second,  of  my  selfe  your  companion, 
4 whom  also  your  wisedome  and  goodnes  hath  vanquished. 
4 By  the  one,  you  have  saved  our  lives : and  by  the  other, 
4 you  have  wisely  taught  us.  So  have  we  also  bene  over- 
4 come  in  two  sortes : the  one  by  Hannibal  to  our  shame, 
4 and  the  other  by  your  selfe,  to  our  honour  and  preserva- 
6 tion.  And  therefore  doe  I nowe  call  you  my  father, 
4 finding  no  other  name  more  honorable  to  call  you  by, 
4 wherewith  I might  honour  you : acknowledging  my  selfe 
4 more  bounde  unto  you  for  the  present  grace  and  favour  I 
4 have  receyved  of  you,  then  unto  my  naturall  father  that 
4 begatte  me.  For  by  him  only  I was  begotten : but  by 
4 you,  mine,  and  all  these  honest  cittizens  lives  have  bene 
4 saved.’  And  having  spoken  these  wordes,  he  embraced 
Fabius : and  so  dyd  the  souldiers  also,  hartely  embrace 
together,  and  kisse  one  another.  Thus  the  joye  was  great 
through  the  whole  campe,  and  one  were  so  glad  of  another, 
that  the  teares  trickled  downe  their  chekes  for  great  joye. 
Nowe  when  Fabius  was  afterwardes  put  out  of  his  office  of 
Dictatorshippe,  there  were  new  Consuls  chosen  againe : the 
two  first  followed  directly  Fabius  former  order  he  had 
begonne.  For  they  kept  them  selves  from  geving  Hannibal 
any  battell,  and  dyd  allway es  send  ayde  to  their  subjects 
and  friends,  to  keepe  them  from  rebellion : untill  that 
Terentius  Varro  (a  man  of  meane  birth,  and  knowen  to  be 
very  bold  and  rashe)  by  flattering  of  the  people,  wanne 
credit  among  them  to  be  made  Consul.  Then  they  thought 
that  he  by  his  rashnes  and  lacke  of  experience,  would  incon- 
tinently hazard  battell : bicause  he  had  cried  out  in  all  the 
assemblies  before,  that  this  warre  would  be  everlasting,  so 
long  as  the  people  dyd  chuse  any  of  the  Fabians  to  be  their 
generalles,  and  vawnted  him  selfe  openly,  that  the  first  daye 
he  came  to  see  his  enemies,  he  would  overthrowe  them.  In 
geving  out  these  brave  wordes,  he  assembled  such  a power, 
that  the  Romaines  never  sawe  so  great  a number  together, 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 

Minutius 
words  to 
Fabius. 


The  rashnes 
of  Terentius 
Varro. 

Terentius 
Varro,  Paulus 
iEmilius 
Consuls. 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 

TheRomaines 
campe  under 
Terentius 
Varro,  88000 
men. 

Fabius  coun- 
sell to  Paulus 
iEmilius. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

against  any  enemie  that  ever  they  had : for  he  put  into  one 
campe,  foure  score  and  eight  thousand  fighting  men.  This 
made  Fabius  and  the  other  Romaines,  men  of  great  wisedome 
and  j udgement,  greatly  affrayed  : bicause  they  sawe  no  hope 
for  Rome  to  rise  againe,  if  it  fortuned  that  they  should  lose 
so  great  a number  of  goodly  youth.  Therefore  Fabius 
talked  with  the  other  Consul,  called  Paulus  dEmilius,  a man 
very  skilfull  and  expert  in  warres,  but  ill  beloved  of  the 
common  people,  whose  furie  he  yet  feared,  for  that  they  had 
condemned  him  a litle  before  to  paye  a great  fine  to  the 
treasurie : and  after  he  had  somewhat  comforted  him,  he 
beganne  to  persuade  and  encorage  him  to  resist  the  fonde 
rashnes  of  his  companion,  telling  him,  that  he  should  have 
asmuch  to  doe  with  Terentius  Varro  for  the  preservation  and 
safety  of  his  countrie,  as  to  fight  with  Hannibal  for  defence 
of  the  same.  For  they  were  both  Marshall  men,  and  had  a 
like  desire  to  fight : the  one  bicause  he  knewe  not  wherein 
the  vantage  of  his  strength  consisted,  and  the  other  bicause 
he  knewe  very  well  his  weaknes.  You  shall  have  reason  to 
beleeve  me  better,  for  matters  touching  Hannibal,  then 
Terentius  Varro.  For  I dare  warrant  you,  if  you  keepe 
Hannibal  from  battel]  but  this  yere : he  shall  of  necessitie, 
if  he  tarie,  consume  him  self,  or  els  for  shame  be  driven 
to  flye  with  his  armie.  And  the  rather,  bicause  hetherto 
(though  he  seeme  to  be  lorde  of  the  field)  never  one  yet  of 
his  enemies  came  to  take  his  parte : and  moreover  bicause 
there  remaines  at  this  daye  in  his  campe  not  the  third  parte 
of  his  armie,  he  brought  with  him  out  of  his  countrie. 
Unto  these  persuasions,  the  Consul  (as  it  is  reported) 
aunswered  thus : When  I looke  into  my  selfe,  my  lorde 
Fabius,  me  thinkes  my  best  waye  were  rather  to  fall  upon 
the  enemies  pikes,  then  once  againe  to  light  into  the  hands 
and  voyces  of  our  cittizens.  Therefore,  sith  the  estate  of 
the  common  wealth  so  requireth  it,  that  it  behoveth  a man 
to  doe  as  you  have  sayed : I will  doe  my  best  indevour  to 
shewe  my  selfe  a wise  captaine,  for  your  sake  only,  rather 
then  for  all  other  that  should  advise  me  to  the  contrarie. 
And  so  Paulus  departed  from  Rome  with  this  minde.  But 
Terentius  his  companion  would  in  any  case,  they  should 
68 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

commaund  the  whole  armie  by  turnes,  eche  his  daye  by  him  FABIUS 

selfe  : and  went  to  encampe  harde  by  Hannibal,  by  the  river  MAXIMUS 

of  Aufide,  neere  unto  the  village  called  Cannes.  Nowe  when  Aufidius  fl. 

it  came  to  his  daye  to  commaund  by  turnes,  early  in  the 

mourning  he  caused  the  signall  of  battell  to  be  set  out, 

which  was  a coate  armour  of  skarlet  in  graine,  that  they 

dyd  laye  out  upon  the  pavilion  of  the  generall : so  that  the 

enemies  at  the  first  sight,  beganne  to  be  afeard,  to  see  the 

lustines  of  this  newe  come  generall,  and  the  great  number  of 

souldiers  he  had  also  in  his  hoste,  in  comparison  of  them 

that  were  not  halfe  so  many.  Yet  Hannibal  of  a good 

corage,  commaunded  every  man  to  arme,  and  to  put  them 

selves  in  order  of  battell : and  him  selfe  in  the  meane  time 

taking  his  horse  backe,  followed  with  a fewe,  gallopped  up 

to  the  toppe  of  a litle  hill  not  very  steepe,  from  whence  he 

might  plainely  discerne  all  the  Romaines  campe,  and  sawe 

howe  they  dyd  range  their  men  in  order  of  battell.  Nowe 

one  Giscon  (a  man  of  like  state  and  nobilitie  as  him  selfe) 

being  with  him  at  that  time,  tolde  him,  that  the  enemies 

seemed  a farre  of  to  be  a marvelous  number.  But  Hannibal 

rubbing  his  forehead,  aunswered  him : Yea,  sayed  he,  but 

there  is  another  thing  more  to  be  wondered  at  then  you 

thinke  of  Giscon.  Giscon  straight  asked  him : What  ? 

Mary  sayeth  he  this : that  of  all  the  great  number  of 
souldiers  you  see  yonder,  there  is  not  a man  of  them  called 
Giscon  as  you  are.  This  mery  aunswer  delivered  contrarie 
to  their  expectation  that  were  with  him,  looking  for  some 
great  waightie  matter,  made  them  all  laughe  a good.  So 
downe  the  hill  they  came  laughing  alowde,  and  tolde  this 
prety  jeaste  to  all  they  met  as  they  rode,  which  straight 
from  one  to  another  ranne  over  all  the  campe,  in  so  much 
as  Hannibal  him  selfe  could  not  holde  from  laughing.  The 
Carthaginian  souldiers  perceyving  this,  beganne  to  be  of  a 
good  corage,  imagining  that  their  generall  would  not  be  so 
merylie  disposed  as  to  fall  a laughing,  being  so  neere  daunger, 
if  he  had  not  perceyved  him  selfe  a great  deale  to  be  the 
stronger,  and  that  he  had  good  cause  also  to  make  no 
reckoning  of  his  enemies.  Furthermore,  he  shewed  two 
policies  of  a skilfull  captaine  in  the  battell.  The  first  was, 

69 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 

Hannibals 
stratagemes 
at  the  battell 
of  Cannes. 


Hannibals 
order  of 
battell  at 
Cannes. 


The  slaughter 
of  the 

Romanies  at 
the  battell 
of  Cannes. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

the  situation  of  the  place,  where  he  put  his  men  in  order  of 
battell,  so  as  they  had  the  winde  on  their  backes  : which 
raging  like  a burning  lightning,  raised  a sharpe  dust  out  of 
the  open  sandy  valley,  and  passing  over  the  Carthaginians 
squadron,  blewe  full  in  the  Romaines  faces,  with  such  a 
violence,  that  they  were  compelled  to  turne  their  faces,  and 
to  trouble  their  owne  rankes.  The  seconde  policie  was,  the 
forme  and  order  of  his  battell.  For  he  placed  on  either  side 
of  his  winges,  the  best  and  valliantest  souldiers  he  had  in  all 
his  armie : and  dyd  fill  up  the  middest  of  his  battell  with 
the  worste  of  his  men,  which  he  made  like  a pointe,  and  was 
farder  out  by  a great  deale,  then  the  two  winges  of  the  fronte 
of  his  battell.  So  he  commaunded  those  of  the  winges,  that 
when  the  Romaines  had  broken  his  first  fronte,  and  followed 
those  that  gave  backe,  whereby  the  middest  of  his  battell 
should  leave  an  hollowe  place,  and  the  enemies  should  come 
in  still  increasing  within  the  compasse  of  the  two  winges : 
that  then  they  should  set  upon  them  on  both  sides,  and 
charge  their  flanks  immediatly,  and  so  inclose  them  in 
behind.  And  this  was  cause  of  a greater  slaughter.  For 
when  the  midle  battell  beganne  to  geve  backe,  and  to  recey  ve 
the  Romaines  within  it,  who  pursued  the  other  very  wholly, 
Hannibals  battell  chaunged  her  forme : and  where  at  the 
beginning  it  was  like  a pointe,  it  became  nowe  in  the  middest 
like  a cressant  or  halfe  moone.  Then  the  captaines  of  the 
chosen  bandes  that  laye  out  in  both  the  winges,  made  their 
men  to  turne,  some  on  the  left  hand,  and  some  on  the  right, 
and  charged  the  Romaines  on  the  flankes,  and  behinde,  where 
they  were  all  naked : so  they  killed  all  those  that  could  not 
save  them  selves  by  flying,  before  they  were  environed.  They 
saye  also,  that  there  fell  out  another  mischief  by  misfortune, 
unto  the  horsemen  of  the  Romaines,  and  by  this  occasion. 
The  horse  of  Paulus  iEmilius  the  Consul  being  hurte,  dyd 
throwe  his  master  on  the  grounde : whereupon  those  that 
were  next  him,  dyd  light  from  their  horse  backs  to  helpe 
him.  The  residue  of  the  horsemen  that  were  a great  waye 
behinde  him,  seeing  them  light,  thought  they  had  bene  all 
commaunded  to  light : hereupon  every  man  forsooke  their 
horse,  and  fought  it  out  a foote.  Hannibal  when  he  sawe 
70 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


that,  sayed:  Yea  marie,  I had  rather  have  them  so  then 
delivered  me  bounde  hande  and  foote.  But  for  those 
matters,  the  historiographers  doe  dilate  more  at  large.  Fur- 
thermore, of  the  two  Consuls,  Varro  saved  him  selfe  by  his 
horse,  with  a fewe  following  him,  within  the  cittie  of  Venusa. 
Paulus  being  in  the  middest  of  the  throng  of  all  the  armie, 
his  bodie  full  of  arrowes  that  stucke  fast  in  his  woundes, 
and  his  harte  sore  loden  with  grievous  sorowe  and  anguishe 
to  see  the  overthrowe  of  his  men  : was  set  downe  by  a rocke, 
looking  for  some  of  his  enemies,  to  come  and  ryd  him  out  of 
his  payne.  But  fewe  could  knowe  him,  his  head  and  face 
was  of  such  a gore  bloude : insomuch  as  his  friends  and 
servants  also  passed  by  him,  and  knewe  him  not.  And 
there  was  but  one  young  gentleman  of  a noble  house  of  the 
Patricians,  called  Cornelius  Lentulus,  that  knewe  him,  who 
dyd  his  best  endevour  to  save  him.  For  he  lighted  a foote 
presently,  and  brought  him  his  horse,  praying  him  to  get  up 
upon  him,  to  prove  if  he  could  save  him  selfe  for  the  neces- 
sity of  his  countrie,  which  nowe  more  then  ever  had  neede 
of  a good  and  wise  captaine.  But  he  refused  the  gentlemans 
offer  and  his  intreatie,  and  compelled  him  to  take  his  horse 
backe  againe,  though  the  teares  ranne  downe  his  chekes  for 
pittie : and  raising  him  selfe  up  to  take  him  by  the  hande, 
he  sayed  unto  him  : I pray  you  tell  Fabius  Maximus  from 
me,  and  witnesse  with  me,  that  Paulus  JEmilius  even  to  his 
last  hower  hath  followed  his  counsaill,  and  dyd  never  swarve 
from  the  promise  he  made  him  : but  that  first  he  was  forced 
to  it  by  Varro,  and  afterwardes  by  Hannibal.  When  he  had 
delivered  these  wordes,  he  bad  Lentulus  farewell : and  ron- 
ning  againe  into  the  furie  of  the  slaughter,  there  he  dyed 
among  his  slaine  companions.  It  is  thought  there  were 
slaine  at  this  battell,  fiftie  thousand  Romaines,  and  foure 
thousand  taken  prisoners:  and  other  tenne  thousand  that 
were  taken  prisoners  in  two  campes  after  the  battell.  When 
this  noble  victorie  was  gotten,  Hannibals  friendes  gave  him 
counsaill  to  followe  his  good  fortune:  and  to  enter  Rome 
after  the  scattered  number  that  fled  thither : so  as  within 
fewe  dayes  following  he  might  suppe  in  their  capitoll.  A 
man  cannot  easely  gesse  what  was  the  cause  that  stayed  him, 

71 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Paulus 
iEmilius 
slaine  at 
the  battell 
of  Cannes. 


50000 
Romaines 
slaine  at 
the  battell 
of  Cannes. 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


All  Italy 
revolted  and 
submitted 
them  selves 
to  Hannibal. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

that  he  went  not,  unles  it  was  (as  I thinke)  some  good 
fortune,  or  favourable  God  toward  the  Romanies  that  with- 
stoode  him,  and  made  him  afeard  and  glad  to  retire.  Where- 
upon they  saye,  that  one  Barca  a Carthaginian,  in  his  anger 
sayed  to  Hannibal : Syr,  you  have  the  waye  to  overcome, 
but  you  cannot  use  victorie.  Notwithstanding,  this  victorie 
made  a marvelous  chaunge  for  him.  For  hereupon,  all  Italy 
in  manner  came  in  to  submit  them  selves  to  him : where 
before  he  had  no  towne  at  commaundement,  nor  any  store- 
house or  porte  through  all  Italie,  yea  he  did  marvelous 
hardly,  and  with  much  a doe  vittell  his  armie  with  that  he 
could  daylie  robbe  and  spoyle,  having  no  certen  place  to 
retire  unto,  nor  grounded  hope  to  entertain  these  warres, 
but  kept  the  field  with  his  armie,  removing  from  place  to 
place,  as  they  had  bene  a great  number  of  murderers  and 
theeves  together.  For  the  most  parte  of  the  countrie,  dyd 
yeld  immediatly  unto  him  : as  the  cittie  of  Capua,  being  the 
chiefest  and  greatest  cittie  of  all  Italie  but  Rome,  and  dyd 
receyve  Hannibal,  and  were  at  his  devotion.  Thus  we  maye 
plainely  see,  that  as  the  poet  Euripides  sayeth  : it  is  a great 
mischief  not  onely  to  be  driven  to  make  triall  of  friendes, 
but  proofe  also  of  captaines  wisdom.  For  that  which  before 
they  accompted  cowardlines  and  fainte  harte  in  Fabius, 
immediatly  after  the  battell,  they  thought  it  more  then 
mans  reason,  and  rather  a heavenly  wisdome  and  influence, 
that  so  long  foresawe  the  things  to  come,  which  the  parties 
selves  that  afterwards  felt  them,  gave  litle  credit  unto  before. 
Upon  this  occasion,  Rome  reposed  incontinently  all  their 
hope  and  trust  in  Fabius,  and  they  repaired  to  him  for 
counsell,  as  they  would  have  ronne  unto  some  temple  or  altar 
for  sanctuarie.  So  as  the  first  and  chiefest  cause  of  staying 
the  people  together  from  dispersing  them  selves  abroade,  as 
they  dyd  when  Rome  was  taken  by  the  Gaules : was  the 
only  opinion  and  confidence  they  had  in  Fabius  wisedome. 
For  where  before  he  seemed  to  be  a coward,  and  timerous, 
when  there  was  no  daunger  nor  misfortune  happened : then 
when  every  man  wept  and  cried  out  for  sorrowe,  which 
could  not  helpe,  and  that  all  the  world  was  so  troubled  that 
there  was  no  order  taken  for  any  thing,  he  contrarily  went 
72 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


alone  up  and  downe  the  cittie  very  modestly,  with  a bold 
constant  countenaunce,  speaking  curteously  to  every  one, 
and  dyd  appease  their  womanishe  cries  and  lamentations,  and 
dyd  forbid  the  common  assemblies  and  fonde  ceremonies,  of 
lamenting  the  dead  corse  at  their  burialls.  Then  he  per- 
suaded the  Senate  to  assemble  in  counsell,  and  dyd  comforte 
up  those  that  were  magistrates,  and  he  alone  was  the  only 
force  and  power  of  the  cittie  : for  there  was  not  a man  that 
bare  any  office,  but  dyd  cast  his  eye  upon  Fabius,  to  knowe 
what  he  should  doe.  He  it  was  that  caused  the  gates  of  the 
cittie  straight  to  be  warded,  and  to  keepe  those  in  for  going 
their  waye,  that  would  have  forsaken  the  cittie.  He  more- 
over dyd  appointe  the  time  and  place  of  mourning,  and  dyd 
commaund  whosoever  was  disposed  to  mourne,  that  he  should 
doe  it  privately  in  his  owne  house,  and  to  continue  only  but 
thirtie  dayes.  Then  he  willed  all  mourning  to  be  left  of, 
and  that  the  cittie  might  be  cleane  from  such  uncleane 
things.  So  the  feast  of  Ceres  falling  about  that  time,  he 
thought  it  better  to  leave  of  the  sacrifices  and  procession 
they  were  wont  to  keepe  on  Ceres  daye : then  by  their  small 
number  that  were  left,  and  sorowe  of  those  that  remained, 
to  let  their  enemies  understand  their  exceeding  great  losse. 
For  the  goddes  delite  to  be  served  with  glad  and  rejoycing 
hartes,  and  with  those  that  are  in  prosperitie.  But  all  this 
notwithstanding,  whatsoever  the  priestes  would  have  done, 
either  to  pacifie  the  wrath  of  the  goddes,  or  to  turne  awaye 
the  threatnings  of  these  sinister  signes,  it  was  forthwith 
done.  For  they  dyd  sende  to  the  oracle  of  Apollo,  in  the 
cittie  of  Delphes,  one  of  Fabius  kinsemen  surnamed  Pictor. 
And  two  of  the  Vestall  Nunnes  being  deflowred : the  one 
was  buried  alive  according  to  the  lawe  and  custome,  and  the 
other  made  her  self  awaye.  But  herein  the  great  corage 
and  noble  clemency  of  the  Romaines,  is  marvelously  to  be 
noted  and  regarded.  For  the  Consul  Terentius  Varro  return- 
ing backe  to  Rome,  with  the  shame  of  his  extreme  misfor- 
tune and  overthrowe,  that  he  durste  not  looke  upon  any  man  : 
the  Senate  notwithstanding,  and  all  the  people  following 
them,  went  to  the  gates  of  the  cittie  to  meete  him,  and  dyd 
honorably  receyve  him.  Nay  furthermore,  those  that  were 
2 :K  73 


FABIUS 
MAXIMUS 
Fabius  con- 
stancie  after 
the  overthrow 
at  Cannes. 


Fabius  order 
for  mourning. 


The  magna- 
nimitie  of 
the  Romaines 
after  the  over- 
throwe at 
Cannes. 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Fabius  Maxi- 
mus, and 
Claudius 
Marcellus 
generalles. 


Possidonius 
wordes  of 
Fabius  and 
Marcellus. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

the  chief  magistrates  and  Senators,  among  whom  Fabius 
was  one,  when  silence  was  made,  they  commended  Varro 
much  : bicause  he  did  not  despaire  of  the  preservation  of  the 
common  weale  after  so  great  a calamitie,  but  dyd  returne 
againe  to  the  cittie,  to  helpe  to  reduce  things  to  order,  in 
using  the  authoritie  of  the  lawe,  and  the  service  of  the 
cittizens,  as  not  being  altogether  under  foote,  but  standing 
yet  in  reasonable  termes  of  good  recovery.  But  when  they 
understoode  that  Hannibal  after  the  battell  was  gone  into 
other  partes  of  Italie : then  they  beganne  to  be  of  good 
chere  againe,  and  sent  a newe  armie  and  generalles  to  the 
field,  among  which,  the  two  chief  generals  were,  Fabius 
Maximus,  and  Claudius  Marcellus,  both  which  by  contrary 
meanes  in  manner,  wanne  a like  glorie  and  reputation. 
For  Marcellus  (as  we  have  declared  in  his  life)  was  a man 
of  speedy  execution,  of  a quicke  hande,  of  a valliant  nature, 
and  a right  martiall  man,  as  Homer  calleth  them,  that 
valliantly  put  them  selves  in  any  daunger : by  reason  where- 
of, having  to  deale  with  another  captaine  a like  venturous 
and  valliant  as  him  selfe,  in  all  service  and  execution,  he 
shewed  the  selfe  boldnes  and  corage  that  Hannibal  dyd. 
But  Fabius  persisting  still  upon  his  first  determination,  dyd 
hope  that  though  he  dyd  not  fight  with  Hannibal,  nor  sturre 
him  at  all,  yet  continuall  warres  would  consume  him  and  his 
armie  in  the  end,  and  bring  them  both  to  nought : as  a 
common  wrestler  that  forceth  his  bodie  above  his  naturall 
strength,  doth  in  the  ende  become  a lame  and  broosed  man. 
Hereupon  Possidonius  writeth,  that  the  one  was  called  the 
Romaines  sworde,  and  the  other  their  target.  And  that 
Fabius  constancie  and  resolutnes  in  warres  to  fight  with 
securitie,  and  to  commit  nothing  to  hazard  and  daunger, 
being  mingled  with  Marcellus  heate  and  furie : was  that 
only,  which  preserved  the  Romaines  empire.  For  Hannibal 
meting  allwayes  in  his  waye  the  one  that  was  furious,  as  a 
strong  ronning  streame,  founde  that  his  army  was  continually 
turmoyled  and  overharried : and  the  other  thai  was  slowe  as 
a litle  prety  river,  he  founde  that  his  army  ranne  softely 
under  him  without  any  noyse,  but  yet  continually  by  litle  and 
litle  it  dyd  still  consume  and  diminishe  him,  untill  he  sawe 
74 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

him  selfe  at  the  last  brought  to  that  passe,  that  he  was  weary 
with  fighting  with  Marcellus,  and  affrayed  of  Fabius  bicause 
he  fought  not.  For  during  all  the  time  of  these  warres,  he 
had  ever  these  two  captaines  almost  against  him,  which  were 
made  either  Praetors,  Consuls,  or  Proconsuls : for  either  of 
them  both  had  bene  five  times  before  chosen  Consul.  Yet  as 
for  Marcellus : Hannibal  had  layed  an  ambushe  for  him  in 
the  fifte  and  last  yere  of  his  Consulshippe,  where  he  set  upon 
him  on  a sodaine,  and  slue  him.  But  as  for  Fabius,  he  layed 
many  baytes  for  him,  and  dyd  what  he  could  by  all  the  skill 
and  reache  he  had,  by  ambushes,  and  other  warlike  policies 
to  entrappe  him : but  he  could  never  drawe  him  within  his 
daunger.  Howbeit  at  one  time  he  put  him  to  a litle  trouble, 
and  was  in  good  hope  then  to  have  made  him  falle  upon  his 
ambushe  he  had  layed  for  him  : and  by  this  policie.  He  had 
counterfeated  letters  written  and  sent  unto  him  from  the 
cittie  of  Metapont,  to  praye  him  to  come  to  them,  and  they 
would  deliver  their  cittie  into  his  handes : and  withall,  that 
such  as  were  privie  to  the  contentes  of  the  same,  desired  no 
other  thing  but  his  repaire  thither.  These  letters  pretily 
quickned  Fabius,  insomuch  as  he  was  determined  one  night 
to  have  taken  parte  of  his  armie,  and  to  have  gone  to  them. 
But  bicause  the  signes  of  the  birdes  dyd  promise  him  no  good 
successe,  he  left  of  his  purpose.  Sone  after  he  understoode 
they  were  counterfeate  letters,  made  by  Hannibals  fine  devise 
to  have  drawen  him  out,  and  to  have  intrapped  him,  for 
whom  him  selfe  laye  in  persone  in  ambushe  neere  the  cittie, 
looking  and  waiting  for  his  comming : but  the  goddes  who 
would  have  him  saved,  were  only  to  be  thanked  for  his  happy 
scape.  Furthermore,  concerning  the  revolte  of  the  citties 
that  were  subject  unto  them,  and  the  rising  of  their  allies 
and  friends  against  them : Fabius  thought  it  farre  better  to 
intreate  them  curteously,  making  them  ashamed  without 
occasion  to  rebell  against  them,  rather  then  openly  to  suspect 
them,  and  to  deale  straightly  with  those  that  were  so  to  be 
suspected.  Now  for  this  matter,  it  is  reported  that  Fabius 
had  a souldier  in  his  campe  that  was  a Marsian  borne  by 
nation,  a valliant  man  of  his  persone,  and  also  of  as  noble  a 
house,  as  any  that  were  of  all  the  allies  of  the  Romaines : 

75 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Marcellus 
slaine  by  an 
ambushe  of 
Hannibals. 


Hannibals 
ambush  layed 
for  Fabius. 


Fabius  lenitie 
in  correcting 
of  faultes. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 

Note  how 
Fabius  re- 
claimed an 
evill  souldier. 


Necessarie 
rules  for  a 
captaine. 


who  had  practised  with  other  his  fellowes  of  the  bande  he 
served  in,  to  goe  serve  the  enemie.  Fabius  hearing  of  this 
practise  he  went  about,  gave  him  no  ill  countenaunce  for  it, 
but  calling  him  to  him,  he  sayed  : I must  confesse  there  is 
no  reckoning  made  of  you,  as  your  good  service  doth  deserve  : 
wherefore  for  this  time  (sayeth  he)  I blame  the  pety  captaines 
only,  which  in  such  sorte  doe  bestowe  their  good  will  and 
favour  at  adventure,  and  not  by  deserte.  But  henceforth  it 
shalbe  your  owne  faulte  if  you  doe  not  declare  your  minde 
unto  me,  and  betweene  you  and  me  make  me  privie  of  your 
lacke  and  necessitie.  When  he  had  spoken  these  wordes  to 
him,  he  gave  him  a very  good  horse  for  service,  and  dyd  re- 
warde  him  with  other  honorable  giftes,  as  men  of  good  ser- 
vice and  desert  have  commonly  bestowed  on  them  : and  this 
dyd  so  encorage  the  souldier  thenceforth,  that  he  became  a 
very  faithfull  and  serviceable  souldier  to  the  Romaines.  For 
Fabius  thought  it  more  fit,  that  hunters,  riders  of  horses,  and 
such  like  as  take  upon  them  to  tame  brute  beastes,  should 
sonner  make  them  leave  their  savage  and  churlishe  nature, 
by  gentle  usage  and  manning  of  them  : then  by  beating,  and 
shackling  of  them.  And  so  a governour  of  men,  should  rather 
correct  his  souldier  by  pacience,  gentlenes,  and  clemency  : then 
by  rigour,  violence,  or  severitie.  Otherwise  he  should  handle 
them  more  rudely,  and  sharpely,  then  husbandmen  doe  figge 
trees,  olive  trees,  and  wilde  pomegarnets : who  by  diligent 
pruning  and  good  handling  of  them,  doe  alter  their  harde 
and  wilde  nature,  and  cause  them  in  the  end  to  bring  forth 
good  figges,  olives  and  pomegarnets.  Another  time  certaine 
captaines  of  his  brought  him  worde,  that  there  was  one  of 
their  souldiers  which  would  ever  goe  out  of  the  campe,  and 
leave  his  ensigne.  He  asked  them,  what  manner  of  man  he 
was.  They  aunswered  him  all  together,  that  he  was  a very 
good  souldier,  and  that  they  could  hardly  finde  out  suche 
another,  in  all  their  bandes  as  he : and  therewithall  they 
tolde  him,  of  some  notable  service  they  had  seene  him  doe  in 
persone.  Whereupon  Fabius  made  a diligent  enquierie  to 
know  what  the  cause  was,  that  made  him  goe  so  oft  out  of  the 
campe : in  the  end,  he  founde  he  was  in  love  with  a young 
woman,  and  that  to  goe  see  her,  was  the  cause  he  dyd  so  ofte 

76 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

leave  his  ensigne,  and  dyd  put  his  life  in  so  great  daunger, 
for  that  she  was  so  farre  of.  When  Fabius  understoode  this, 
he  sent  certaine  souldiers  (unknowing  to  the  souldier)  to  bring 
the  woman  awaye  he  loved,  and  willed  them  to  hyde  her  in 
his  tente : and  then  called  he  the  souldier  to  him,  that  was  a 
Lucanian  borne,  and  taking  him  a side,  sayed  unto  him  thus  : 
My  friend,  it  hath  bene  tolde  me,  how  thou  hast  lyen  many 
nightes  out  of  the  campe,  against  the  lawe  of  armes,  and 
order  of  the  Romaines,  but  therewithall  I understande  also 
that  otherwise  thou  art  an  honest  man,  and  therefore  I par- 
done  thy  faultes  paste,  in  consideration  of  thy  good  service  : 
but  from  henceforth  I will  geve  thee  in  custodie  to  such  a 
one,  as  shall  make  me  accompt  of  thee.  The  souldier  was 
blancke,  when  he  heard  these  wordes.  Fabius  with  that, 
caused  the  woman  he  was  in  love  with,  to  be  brought  forth, 
and  delivered  her  into  his  hands,  saying  unto  him : This 
woman  hereafter  shall  aunswer  me  thy  bodie  to  be  forth 
comming  in  the  campe  amongest  us : and  from  henceforth 
thy  deedes  shall  witnesse  for  the  reste,  that  thy  love  unto 
this  woman,  maye  be  no  cloke  of  thy  departing  out  of  the 
campe  for  any  wicked  practise  or  intent.  Thus  much  we 
finde  written  concerning  this  matter.  Moreover,  Fabius  after 
suche  a sorte,  recovered  againe  the  cittie  of  Tarentum,  and 
brought  it  to  the  obedience  of  the  Romaines,  which  they  had 
lost  by  treason.  It  fortuned  there  was  a young  man  in  his 
campe,  a Tarentine  borne,  that  had  a sister  within  Tarentum, 
which  was  very  faithfull  to  him,  and  loved  him  marvelous 
dearely  : now  there  was  a captaine,  a Brutian  borne,  that  fell 
in  love  with  her,  and  was  one  of  those  to  whom  Hannibal  had 
committed  the  charge  of  the  cittie  of  Tarentum.  This  gave 
the  young  souldier  the  Tarentine,  very  good  hope,  and  waye, 
to  bring  his  enterprise  to  good  effect : whereupon  he  revealed 
his  intent  to  Fabius,  and  with  his  privitie  fled  from  his  campe, 
and  got  into  the  cittie  of  Tarentum,  geving  it  out  in  the 
cittie,  that  he  would  altogether  dwell  with  his  sister.  Now 
for  a fewe  dayes  at  his  first  comming,  the  Brutian  captaine 
laye  alone  by  him  selfe,  at  the  request  of  the  mayde  his  sister, 
who  thought  her  brother  had  not  knowen  of  her  love : and 
shortely  after  the  young  fellowe  tooke  his  sister  aside,  and 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


How  Fabius 
wanne  Taren- 
tum  againe. 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Tarentum 
wonne  by  a 
womans 
meanes. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

sayed  unto  her : My  good  sister,  there  was  a great  speache 
in  the  Romaines  campe,  that  thou  wert  kept  by  one  of  the 
chiefest  captaines  of  the  garrison  : I praye  thee  if  it  be  so,  let 
me  knowe  what  he  is.  For  so  he  be  a good  fellowe,  and  an 
honest  man  (as  they  saye  he  is)  I care  not : for  warres  that 
turneth  all  things  topsi  turvey,  regardeth  not  of  what  place 
or  calling  he  is  of,  and  still  maketh  vertue  of  necessitie,  with- 
out respect  of  shame.  And  it  is  a speciall  good  fortune,  at 
such  time  as  neither  right  nor  reason  rules,  to  happen  yet 
into  the  handes  of  a good  and  gratious  lorde.  His  sister 
hearing  him  speake  these  wordes,  sent  for  the  Brutian 
captaine  to  bring  him  acquainted  with  her  brother,  who 
liked  well  of  both  their  loves,  and  indevoured  him  self  to 
frame  his  sisters  love  in  better  sorte  towards  him,  then  it 
was  before : by  reason  whereof,  the  captaine  also  beganne 
to  trust  him  very  muche.  So  this  young  Tarentine  sawe 
it  was  very  easie,  to  winne  and  turne  the  minde  of  this 
amarous  and  mercenarie  man,  with  hope  of  great  giftes 
that  were  promised  him,  and  Fabius  should  performe. 
Thus  doe  the  most  parte  of  writers  set  downe  this  storie. 
Howbeit  some  writers  saye,  that  this  woman  who  wanne  the 
Brutian  captaine,  was  not  a Tarentine,  but  a Brutian  borne, 
whom  Fabius  it  is  sayed,  kept  afterwards  for  his  concubine  : 
and  that  she  understanding  the  captaine  of  the  Brutians 
(who  laye  in  garrison  within  the  cittie  of  Tarentum)  was 
also  a Brutian  borne,  and  of  her  owne  native  countrie : 
made  Fabius  privie  to  her  intent,  and  with  his  consent,  she 
comming  to  the  walles  of  the  cittie,  spake  with  this  Brutian 
captaine,  whom  she  handled  in  such  sorte,  that  she  wanne 
him.  But  whilest  this  geare  was  a brewing,  Fabius,  bicause 
he  would  traine  Hannibal  out  of  those  quarters,  wrote  unto 
the  souldiers  of  Rhegio : which  belonged  to  the  Romaines, 
that  they  should  enter  the  borders  of  the  Brutians,  and  lave 
seige  to  the  cittie  of  Caulonia,  and  rase  it  to  the  grounde. 
These  Rhegian  souldiers  were  about  the  number  of  eight 
thousand,  and  the  most  of  them  traitours,  and  ronneagates, 
from  one  campe  to  another : and  the  worst  sorte  of  them, 
and  most  defamed  of  life,  were  those  that  Marcellus  brought 
thither  out  of  Sicile,  so  that  in  losing  them  all,  the  losse 
78 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


were  nothing  to  the  common  weale,  and  the  sorrowe  muche  FABIUS 
lesse.  So  Fabius  thought,  that  putting  these  fellowes  out  MAXIMUS 
for  a praye  to  Hannibal  (as  a stale  to  drawe  him  from 
those  quarters)  he  should  plucke  him  by  this  meanes  from 
Tarentum : and  so  it  came  to  passe.  For  Hannibal  incon- 
tinently went  thence  with  his  armie  to  intrappe  them : and 
in  the  meane  time  Fabius  went  to  laye  seige  to  Tarentum, 
where  he  had  not  lien  six  dayes  before  it,  but  the  young 
man  (who  together  with  his  sister  had  drawen  the  Brutian 
captaine  to  this  treason)  stale  out  one  night  to  Fabius,  to 
enforme  him  of  all,  having  taken  very  good  markes  of  that 
side  of  the  walle  the  Brutian  captaine  had  taken  charge 
of,  who  had  promised  him  to  keepe  it  secret,  and  to  suffer 
them  to  enter,  that  came  to  assaulte  that  side.  Yet 
Fabius  would  not  ground e his  hope  altogether  upon  the 
Brutians  executing  this  treason,  but  went  him  self  in  per- 
sone  to  vewe  the  place  appointed,  howbeit  without  attempt- 
ing any  thing  for  that  time : and  in  the  meane  season,  he 
gave  a generall  assault  to  all  partes  of  the  cittie  (aswell  by 
sea  as  by  lande)  with  great  showtes  and  cries.  Then  the 
Brutian  captaine  seeing  all  the  cittizens  and  garrison  ronne 
to  that  parte,  where  they  percey ved  the  noyse  to  be  greatest : 
made  a signall  unto  Fabius,  that  now  was  the  time.  Who  Fabius  tooke 
then  caused  scaling  ladders  to  be  brought  a pace,  where-  the  cittie  of 
upon  him  selfe  with  his  companie  scaled  the  walles,  and  Tarentum. 
so  wanne  the  cittie.  But  it  appeareth  here,  that  ambition 
overcame  him.  For  first  he  commaunded  they  should  kill  Fabius  ambi- 
all  the  Brutians,  bicause  it  should  not  be  knowen  he  had  tion  cause  of 
wonne  the  cittie  by  treason.  But  this  bloudie  policie  failed  fowle  murder- 
him  : for  he  missed  not  only  of  the  glorie  he  looked  for,  but 
most  deservedly  he  had  the  reproche  of  crueltie  and  false- 
hood. At  the  taking  of  this  cittie,  a marvelous  number  of 
the  Tarentines  were  slaine,  besides  there  were  solde  thirtie 
thousand  of  the  chiefest  of  them,  and  all  the  cittie  was 
sacked : and  of  the  spoyle  thereof  was  caried  to  the  common 
store  treasure  at  Rome,  three  thousand  talents.  It  is  re- 
ported also,  that  when  they  dyd  spoyle  and  carie  awaye 
all  other  spoyles  lefte  behinde,  the  recorder  of  the  cittie 
asked  Fabius,  what  his  pleasure  was  to  doe  with  the  goddes, 


79 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Fabius 

second 

triumphe. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

meaning  the  tables,  and  their  images:  and  to  that  Fabius 
aunswered  him : Let  us  leave  the  Tarentines  their  goddes 
that  be  angrie  with  them.  This  notwithstanding,  he  caried 
from  thence  Hercules  statue,  that  was  of  a monstruous 
bignes,  and  caused  it  to  be  set  up  in  the  Capitoll,  and 
withall  dyd  set  up  his  owne  image  in  brasse  a horse  backe 
by  him.  But  in  that  act  he  shewed  him  self  farre  harder 
harted,  then  Marcellus  had  done,  or  to  saye  more  truely, 
thereby  he  made  the  world  knowe  how  muche  Marcellus 
curtesie,  clemencie,  and  bowntie  was  to  be  wondred  at : 
as  we  have  written  in  his  life.  Newes  being  brought  to 
Hannibal,  that  Tarentum  was  besieged,  he  marched  pre- 
sently with  all  speede  possible  to  raise  the  seige : and 
they  saye  he  had  almost  come  in  time,  for  he  was  with  in 
40  furlonges  of  the  cittie  when  he  understoode  the  trothe 
of  the  taking  of  it.  Then  sayed  he  out  alowd,  Sure  the 
Romaines  have  their  Hannibal  to : for  as  we  wanne  Tarentum, 
so  have  we  lost  it.  But  after  that,  to  his  friends  he  sayed 
privately  (and  that  was  the  first  time  they  ever  heard  him 
speake  it)  that  he  sawe  long  before,  and  now  appeared 
plainely,  that  they  could  not  possibly  with  this  small  power 
keepe  Italie.  Fabius  made  his  triumphe  and  entrie  into 
Rome  the  seconde  time,  by  reason  of  taking  of  this  cittie : 
and  his  seconde  triumphe  was  muche  more  honorable  then 
the  first,  as  of  a valliant  captaine  that  held  out  still  with 
Hannibal,  and  easely  met  with  all  his  fine  policies,  muche 
like  the  slight  trickes  of  a cunning  wrestler,  which  caried 
not  now  the  former  roughenes  and  strength  any  more, 
bicause  that  his  armie  was  geven  to  take  their  ease,  and 
growen  to  delicacie,  partely  through  the  great  riches  they 
had  gotten,  and  partely  also  for  that  it  was  sore  wasted 
and  diminished,  through  the  sundrie  foughten  battells  and 
blowes  they  had  bene  at.  Now  there  was  one  Marcus  Livius 
a Romaine,  that  was  governour  of  Tarentum  at  that  time, 
when  Hannibal  tooke  it,  and  nevertheles  kept  the  castell 
still  out  of  Hannibals  handes,  and  so  held  it  untill  the 
cittie  came  againe  into  the  handes  of  the  Romaines.  This 
Livius  spighted  to  see  suche  honour  done  to  Fabius,  so  that 
one  daye  in  open  Senate,  being  drowned  with  envie  and 
80 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


ambition,  he  burst  out  and  sayed  : that  it  was  him  selfe,  not 
Fabius,  that  was  cause  of  taking  of  the  cittie  of  Tarentum 
againe.  Fabius  smiling  to  heare  him,  aunswered  him  openly  : 
in  deede  thou  sayest  true,  for  if  thou  haddest  not  lost  it,  I 
had  never  wonne  it  againe.  But  the  Romaines  in  all  other 
respects  dyd  greatly  honour  Fabius,  and  specially  for  that 
they  chose  his  sonne  Consul.  He  having  alreadie  taken 
possession  of  his  office,  as  he  was  dispatching  certen  causes 
touching  the  warres,  his  father  (whether  it  was  for  debilitie 
of  his  age,  or  to  prove  his  sonne)  tooke  his  horse  to  come 
to  him,  and  rode  through  the  prease  of  people  that  thronged 
about  him,  having  busines  with  him.  But  his  sonne  seeing 
him  comming  a farre  of,  would  not  suffer  it,  but  sent  an 
officer  of  his  unto  him,  to  commaund  him  to  light  of  his 
horse,  and  to  come  a foote  if  he  had  any  thing  to  doe  with 
the  Consul.  This  commaundement  misliked  the  people  that 
heard  it,  and  they  all  looked  upon  Fabius,  but  sayed  not  a 
worde : thinking  with  them  selves,  that  the  Consul  dyd  great 
wronge  to  his  fathers  greatnes.  So  he  lighted  straight,  and 
went  a good  rounde  pace  to  embrace  his  sonne,  and  sayed 
unto  him : You  have  reason  sonne,  and  doe  well  to  shewe 
over  whom  you  commaund,  understanding  the  authoritie  of 
a Consul,  which  place  you  have  received.  For  it  is  the 
direct  course,  by  the  which  we  and  our  auncesters  have 
increased  the  Romaine  empire : preferring  ever  the  honour 
and  state  of  our  countrie,  above  father,  mother,  or  children. 
And  truely  they  saye,  that  Fabius  great  grandfather  being 
the  greatest  and  most  noble  persone  of  Rome  in  his  time, 
having  five  times  bene  Consul,  and  had  obteined  many 
triumphes,  for  divers  honorable  and  sundrie  victories  he 
had  wonne : was  contented  after  all  these,  to  be  his  sonnes 
lieutenaunt,  and  to  goe  to  the  warres  with  him,  he  being 
chosen  Consul.  And  last  of  all,  the  Consul  his  sonne  re- 
turning home  to  Rome  a conquerour,  in  his  triumphing 
charret  drawen  with  foure  horses,  he  followed  him  a horse 
backe  also,  in  troupe  with  the  rest : thinking  it  honour  to 
him,  that  having  authoritie  over  his  sonne  in  the  right  of 
a father,  and  being  also  the  noblest  man  of  all  the  cittizens, 
so  taken  and  reputed,  nevertheles  he  willingly  submitted 
2 : L 81 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 

Fabius  wittie 
aunswer. 


A straunge 
commaund- 
ment  of  the 
sonne  to  the 
father. 


The  father 
obeyeth  his 
sonnes  autho- 
ritie and  com- 
mendeth  him. 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Scipio  Consul. 


Fabius  was 
against  the 
counsell 
and  devise 
of  Scipio 
African. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

him  selfe  to  the  lawe  and  magistrate,  who  had  authoritie 
of  him.  Yet  besides  all  this,  he  had  farre  more  excellent 
vertues  to  be  had  in  admiration,  then  those  already  spoken 
of.  But  it  fortuned  that  this  sonne  of  Fabius  died  before 
him,  whose  death  he  tooke  paciently,  like  a wise  man,  and 
a good  father.  Now  the  custome  being  at  that  time,  that 
at  the  death  of  a noble  man,  their  neerest  kinseman  should 
make  a funerall  oration  in  their  prayse  at  their  obsequies : 
he  him  selfe  made  the  same  oration  in  honour  of  his  sonne, 
and  dyd  openly  speake  it  in  the  market  place,  and  moreover 
wrote  it,  and  delivered  it  out  abroade.  About  this  time, 
Cornelius  Scipio  was  sent  into  Spayne,  who  drave  out  the 
Carthaginians  from  thence,  after  he  had  overthrowen  them 
in  many  battells,  and  had  conquered  many  great  citties,  and 
greately  advaunced  the  honour  and  estimation  of  the  state 
of  Rome : for  the  which  at  his  returne,  he  was  asmuche,  or 
rather  more  honoured,  beloved  and  esteemed,  then  any  other 
that  was  in  the  cittie  of  Rome.  Hereupon  Scipio  being 
made  Consul,  considered  that  the  people  of  Rome  looked 
for  some  great  matter  at  his  handes,  above  all  other.  There- 
fore he  thought,  to  take  upon  him  to  fight  against  Hannibal 
in  Italie,  he  should  but  folio  we  the  olde  manner,  and  treade 
to  muche  in  the  steppes  of  the  olde  man : whereupon  he  re- 
solved immediately  to  make  warres  in  Africke,  and  to  burne 
and  destroye  the  countrie  even  unto  Carthage  gates,  and  so 
to  transferre  the  warres  out  of  Italie  into  Libya,  procuring  by 
all  possible  devise  he  could,  to  put  it  into  the  peoples  heades, 
and  to  make  them  like  of  it.  But  Fabius  contrarilie,  per- 
suading him  selfe  that  the  enterprise  this  young  rashe  youthe 
tooke  in  hande,  was  utterly  to  overthrowe  the  common  weale, 
or  to  put  the  state  of  Rome  in  great  daunger : devised  to 
put  Rome  in  the  greatest  feare  he  could  possible,  without 
sparing  speache  or  dede  he  thought  might  serve  for  his  pur- 
pose, to  make  the  people  chaunge  from  that  minde.  Now 
he  could  so  cunningly  worke  his  purpose,  what  with  speaking 
and  doing,  that  he  had  drawen  all  the  Senate  to  his  opinion. 
But  the  people  judged,  it  was  the  secret  envie  he  bare  to 
Scipioes  glorie,  that  drue  him  to  encounter  this  devise,  only 
to  bleamish  Scipioes  noble  fortune,  fearing,  least  if  he  should 
82 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

happen  to  doe  some  honorable  service  (as  to  make  an  end 
altogether  of  this  warre,  or  otherwise  to  draw  Hannibal  out 
of  Italie)  that  then  it  would  appeare  to  the  world,  he  had 
bene  to  softe,  or  to  negligent,  to  drawe  this  warre  out  to 
suche  a length.  For  my  parte,  me  thinkes  the  only  matter 
that  moved  Fabius  from  the  beginning  to  be  against  Scipio, 
was  the  great  care  he  had  of  the  safetie  of  the  common  weale, 
by  reason  of  the  great  daunger  depending  upon  such  a 
resolution.  And  yet  I doe  thinke  also,  that  afterwards  he 
went  further  then  he  should,  contending  to  sore  against  him 
(whether  it  was  through  ambition  or  obstinacie)  seeking  to 
hinder  and  suppresse  the  greatnes  of  Scipio  : considering  also 
he  dyd  his  best  to  persuade  Crassus,  Scipioes  companion  in 
the  Consulshippe,  that  he  should  not  graunte  unto  him  the 
leading  of  the  armie,  but  if  he  thought  good  to  goe  into 
Africke,  to  make  warres  upon  the  Carthaginians,  that  he 
should  rather  goe  him  self.  And  moreover,  he  was  the  let 
that  they  gave  him  no  money  for  maintenaunce  of  these 
warres.  Scipio  hereupon  being  turned  over  to  his  owne 
credit,  to  furnish  him  selfe  as  he  could : he  leavied  great 
summes  of  money  in  the  citties  of  Thuscan,  who  for  the 
great  love  they  bare  him,  made  contribution  towardes  his 
jorney.  And  Crassus  remained  at  home,  both  bicause  he 
was  a softe,  and  no  ambitious,  nor  contentious  man  of 
nature : as  also,  bicause  he  was  the  chiefest  Prelate  and  highe 
bishoppe,  who  by  the  lawe  of  their  religion,  was  constrained 
to  kepe  Rome.  Fabius  seeing  his  labour  lost  that  waye, 
tooke  againe  another  course  to  crosse  Scipio,  devising  to 
staye  the  young  men  at  home,  that  had  great  desire  to  goe 
this  jorney  with  him.  For  he  cried  out  with  open  mouth, 
in  all  assemblies  of  the  Senate  and  people,  that  Scipio  was 
not  contented  only  to  flye  Hannibal,  but  that  he  would 
carie  with  him  besides  the  whole  force  of  Italy  that  remained  : 
alluring  the  youthe  with  sweete  baytes  of  vaine  hope,  and 
persuading  them  to  leave  their  wives,  their  fathers,  mothers, 
and  their  countrie,  even  now  when  their  enemie  knocked 
at  Rome  gates,  who  dyd  ever  conquer,  and  was  yet  never 
conquered.  These  wordes  of  Fabius  dyd  so  dampe  the 
Romaines,  that  they  appointed  Scipio  should  furnishe  his 

83 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


Crassus, highe 
bishoppe  of 
Rome. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


The  famous 
actes  done 
in  Africke 
by  Scipio 
Africanus. 


jorney  only  with  the  armie  that  was  in  Sicilia,  saving  that  he 
might  supply  to  them  if  he  would,  three  hundred  of  the  best 
souldiers  that  had  served  him  faithfully  in  Spayne.  And  so 
it  doth  appeare  even  to  this  present,  that  Fabius  both  dyd 
and  sayed  all  things,  according  to  his  wonted  manner,  and 
naturall  disposition.  Now  Scipio  was  no  sooner  arrived  in 
Africke,  but  newes  were  brought  to  Rome  incontinently, 
of  wonderfull  exploytes,  and  noble  service  done  beyond 
measure  : and  of  great  spoyles  taken  by  him,  which  argued 
the  trothe  of  the  newes.  As,  the  king  of  the  Numidians 
taken  prisoner,  two  campes  of  the  enemies  burnt  and 
destroyed  at  a time,  with  losse  of  a great  number  of  people, 
armour,  and  horses,  that  were  consumed  in  the  same : letters 
and  postes  for  life  ronning  in  the  necke  one  of  another  from 
Carthage  to  call  Hannibal  home,  and  to  praye  him  to  hunte 
no  longer  after  vayne  hope  that  would  never  have  ende, 
hasting  him  selfe  with  all  speede  possible  to  come  to  the 
rescue  of  his  countrie.  These  wonderfull  great  fortunes  of 
Scipio,  made  him  of  suche  renowme  and  fame  within  Rome, 
that  there  was  no  talke  but  of  Scipio.  Fabius  notwithstand- 
ing desisted  not  to  make  a newe  request,  being  of  opinion 
they  should  send  him  a successour,  alledging  no  other  cause 
nor  reason,  but  a common  speache  of  every  bodie : that  it 
was  a daungerous  thing  to  commit  to  the  fortune  of  one 
man  alone,  so  great  exceeding  prosperitie  and  good  successe, 
bicause  it  is  a rare  matter  to  see  one  man  happie  in  all  things. 
These  wordes  dyd  so  muche  mislike  the  people,  that  they 
thought  him  an  envious  and  troublesome  man,  or  els  they 
thought  his  age  had  made  him  fearefull : and  that  his  corage 
failed  with  his  strength,  fearing  Hannibal  more  doubtfully 
then  he  needed.  For  now  though  Hannibal  was  forced  to 
leave  Italie,  and  to  returne  into  Africke,  yet  Fabius  would 
not  graunte,  that  the  peoples  joye  and  securitie  they 
thought  they  were  in,  was  altogether  cleare,  and  without 
feare  and  mistruste  : but  gave  it  out  that  then  they  were  in 
greatest  daunger,  and  that  the  common  weale  was  breeding 
more  mischief  now,  then  before.  For  when  Hannibal  (sayed 
he)  shall  returne  home  into  Africke,  and  come  before  Car- 
thage walles,  the  Romaines  shall  be  lesse  able  to  abide  him 
84 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

there,  then  they  have  bene  before : and  Scipio  moreover, 
shall  meete  with  an  armie  yet  warme,  and  embrued  with  the 
bloude  of  so  many  Praetors,  Dictators,  and  Consuls  of  Rome, 
which  they  have  overcome,  and  put  to  the  sword  in  Italie. 
With  these  uncomfortable  speaches,  he  still  troubled  and 
disquieted  the  whole  cittie,  persuading  them  that  notwith- 
standing the  warre  was  transferred  out  of  Italie  into  Africke, 
yet  that  the  occasion  of  feare  was  no  less  neere  unto  Rome, 
then  it  was  ever  before.  But  within  shorte  space  after, 
Scipio  having  overcome  Hannibal  in  plaine  battell  in  the 
field,  and  troden  under  foote  the  glory  and  pryde  of  Car- 
thage, he  brought  a greater  joye  to  Rome,  then  they  ever 
looked  for : and  by  this  noble  victorie  of  his,  he  shored  up 
again  the  declining  state  of  the  empire  of  Rome,  which  a 
litle  before  was  falling  downe  right.  Howbeit  Fabius  lived 
not  to  the  ende  of  this  warre,  nor  ever  heard  while  he  lived 
the  joy  full  newes  of  Hannibals  happy  overthrowe,  neither 
were  his  yeres  prolonged  to  see  the  happy  assured  prosperitie 
of  his  countrie : for  about  that  time  that  Hannibal  departed 
out  of  Italie,  a sicknes  tooke  him,  whereof  he  dyed.  The 
stories  declare,  that  the  Thebans  buried  Epaminondas,  at  the 
common  charges  of  the  people  : bicause  he  dyed  in  so  great 
povertie,  that  when  he  was  dead,  they  founde  nothing  in 
the  house  but  a litle  iron  spit.  Now  the  Romaines  buried 
not  Fabius  so,  at  the  common  charge  of  the  cittie,  but  every 
man  of  benevolence  gave  towards  his  funerall  charges,  a pece 
of  coyne  that  caried  the  least  value  of  their  currant  money  : 
not  for  that  he  lacked  abillitie  to  bring  him  to  the  grounde, 
but  only  to  honour  his  memorie : in  making  his  obsequies 
at  their  charges,  as  of  one  that  had  bene  their 
common  father.  So  had  his  vertuous  life,  an 
honorable  ende  and  buriall. 


FABIUS 

MAXIMUS 


The  death  of 
Fabius  Max. 

The  funeralls 
of  Epaminon- 
das. 


85 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


THE  COMPARISON  OF 
PERICLES  WITH  FABIUS 


ERE  have  you  heard  what  is  written,  of 
these  two  great  persones.  And  forasmuche 
as  they  have  both  left  behinde  them, 
many  noble  examples  of  vertue,  aswell  in 
martiall  matters,  as  in  civill  government, 
let  us  beginne  to  compare  them  together. 
First  of  all,  Pericles  beganne  to  goveme  the 
common  weale  at  what  time  the  people  of 
Athens  were  in  their  chiefest  prosperitie,  and  of  greater 
power  and  wealth,  then  ever  they  had  bene  of  before  or 
since.  The  which  might  seeme  to  be  a cause  of  the 
continuall  maintenance  of  the  same  in  securitie  without 
daunger  of  falling,  not  so  muche  for  their  worthines,  as 
for  their  common  power  and  felicitie : where  contrari- 
wise Fabius  acts  fell  out  in  the  most  dishonorable  and  un- 
fortunate time,  that  ever  happened  to  his  countrie,  in  the 
which  he  dyd  not  only  keepe  the  cittie  in  good  state  from 
declining,  but  raised  it  up,  and  delivered  it  from  calamitie, 
and  brought  it  to  be  better  then  he  found  it.  Further- 
more, Cimons  great  good  fortune  and  successe,  the  victories 
and  triumphes  of  Myronides,  and  of  Leocrates,  and  many 
notable  valliant  dedes  of  armes  of  Tolmides,  gave  good 
cause  to  Pericles,  to  entertaine  his  cittie  in  feastes,  and 
playes,  whilest  he  dyd  goveme  the  same : and  he  dyd  not 
finde  it  in  such  ill  case  and  distresse,  that  he  was  driven  to 
defend  it  by  force  of  armes,  or  to  conquer  that  againe  which 
he  had  lost.  But  Fabius  in  contrary  manner,  when  he  sawe 
before  him  many  overthrowes,  great  flying  awaye,  muche 
murder,  great  slaughters  of  the  generalles  of  the  Romaine 
armies,  the  lakes,  the  playnes,  the  woddes  filled  with 
scattered  men,  the  people  overcome,  the  flouds  and  rivers 
ronning  all  a gore  bloude  (by  reason  of  the  great  slaughter) 
86 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

and  the  streame  carying  downe  the  dead  bodies  to  the  mayne 
sea : dyd  take  in  hande  the  government  of  his  countrie,  and 
a course  farre  contrarie  to  all  other : so  as  he  dyd  under- 
proppe  and  shore  up  the  same,  that  he  kept  it  from  flat 
falling  to  the  grounde,  amongest  those  ruines  and  over- 
throwes  other  had  brought  it  to,  before  him.  Yet  a man 
maye  saye  also,  that  it  is  no  great  matter  of  diflicultie  to 
rule  a cittie  already  brought  lowe  by  adversitie,  and  which 
compelled  by  necessitie,  is  contented  to  be  governed  by  a 
wise  man : as  it  is  to  bridle  and  keepe  under  the  insolencie 
of  a people,  pufte  up  with  pryde,  and  presumption  of  long 
prosperitie,  as  Pericles  founde  it  amongest  the  Athenians. 
The  great  multitude  also  of  so  many  grievous  calamities, 
as  lighted  on  the  Romaines  neckes  at  that  time,  dyd  playnely 
shewe  Fabius  to  be  a grave  and  a constant  man,  which  would 
never  geve  waye  unto  the  importunate  cries  of  the  common 
people,  nor  could  ever  be  removed  from  that  he  had  at  the 
first  determined.  The  winning  and  recovering  againe  of 
Tarentum,  maye  well  be  compared  to  the  taking  of  Samos, 
which  Pericles  wanne  by  force  : and  the  citties  of  Campania, 
unto  the  He  of  Euboea  : excepting  the  cittie  of  Capua,  which 
the  Consuls  Fulvius  and  Appius  recovered  againe.  But  it 
seemeth  that  Fabius  never  wanne  battell,  save  that  only  for 
which  he  triumphed  the  first  time : where  Pericles  set  up 
nine  triumphes,  of  battels  and  victories  he  had  wonne,  aswell 
by  sea  as  by  lande.  And  so  also,  they  cannot  alledge  such 
an  acte  done  by  Pericles,  as  Fabius  dyd,  when  he  rescued 
Minutius  out  of  the  handes  of  Hannibal,  and  saved  a whole 
armie  of  the  Romaines : which  doubtles  was  a famous  acte, 
and  proceeded  of  a noble  minde,  great  wisdome,  and  an 
honorable  harte.  But  Pericles,  againe  dyd  never  commit 
so  grosse  an  errour  as  Fabius  dyd  when  he  was  outreached, 
and  deceyved  by  Hannibals  fine  stratageame  of  his  oxen : 
who  having  founde  his  enemie  by  chaunce  to  have  shut  him 
selfe  up  in  the  straight  of  a vallye,  dyd  suffer  him  to  escape 
in  the  night  by  a subtiltie,  and  in  the  daye  by  playne  force. 
For  he  was  prevented  by  overmuch  delaye,  and  fought  with- 
all  by  him  he  kept  inclosed.  Now  if  it  be  a requisite,  a good 
captaine  doe  not  only  use  well  that  he  hath  in  his  handes,  but 

87 


PERICLES 

AND 

FABIUS 


PERICLES 

AND 

FABIUS 

The  gifte  of  a 
good  generall. 


The  faultes  of 
generalles. 


The  compari- 
son betwext 
Pericles  and 
Fabius  for 
civill  govern- 
ment. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

that  he  wisely  judge  also  what  will  folio  we  after,  then  the 
warres  of  the  Athenians  fell  out  in  suche  sorte,  as  Pericles 
sayed  they  would  come  to  passe : for  with  ambition  to  im- 
brace  to  muche,  they  overthrewe  their  estate.  But  the 
Romanies  contrariwise,  having  sent  Scipio  into  Africke  to 
make  warres  with  the  Carthaginians,  wanne  all  that  they 
tooke  in  hande : where  their  generall  dyd  not  overcome  the 
enemie  by  fortune,  but  by  valliantnes.  So  that  the  wise- 
dome  of  the  one  is  witnessed,  by  the  ruine  of  his  countrie : 
and  the  errour  of  the  other  testified,  by  the  happy  event  of 
that  he  would  have  let.  Now  the  faulte  is  a like  in  a 
generall,  to  fall  into  daunger,  for  lacke  of  forecaste : as  for 
cowardlines  to  let  slippe  a fit  oportunitie  offred,  to  doe  any 
notable  pece  of  service.  For  like  defaulte  and  lacke  of  ex- 
perience, maketh  the  one  to  hardie,  and  the  other  to  feare- 
full.  And  thus  muche  touching  the  warres.  Now  for  civill 
government : it  was  a fowle  blotte  to  Pericles,  to  be  the 
author  of  warres.  For  it  is  thought,  that  he  alone  was  the 
cause  of  the  same,  for  that  he  would  not  have  them  yeld  to 
the  Lacedaemonians  in  any  respect.  And  yet  me  thinkes 
Fabius  Maximus  also  would  no  more  geve  place  unto  the 
Carthaginians,  but  stood  firme  and  bold  in  all  daunger,  to 
mainteine  thempire  of  his  countrie  against  them.  But  the 
goodnes  and  clemency  Fabius  shewed  unto  Minutius,  doth 
much  condemne  Pericles  accusations  and  practises,  against 
Cimon  and  Thucydides  : bothe  of  them  being  noble  and  good 
men,  and  taking  parte  with  the  Nobilitie,  whom  he  expulsed 
out  of  Athens,  and  banished  for  a time.  So  was  Pericles 
power  and  authoritie  in  the  common  weale  greater : by 
reason  whereof  he  dyd  ever  foresee,  that  no  generall  in  all 
his  time  dyd  rashely  attempt  any  thing  hurteful  unto  the 
common  weale,  except  Tolmides  onely : who  fled  from  him, 
and  in  despight  of  him  went  to  fight  with  the  Boeotians 
where  he  was  slaine.  As  for  all  other  generals,  they  wholy 
put  themselves  into  his  hands,  and  dyd  obey  him  for  the 
greatnes  of  his  authoritie.  But  Fabius,  although  for  his 
parte  he  never  committed  any  faulte,  and  that  he  went 
orderly  to  worke  in  all  government : yet  bicause  he  was 
not  of  power  to  keepe  other  from  doing  ill,  it  seemeth  in 
88 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

this  respect  he  was  defective.  For  if  Fabius  had  caried  like  PERICLES 
authoritie  in  Rome,  as  Pericles  dyd  in  Athens  : the  Romaines  AND 
had  not  fallen  into  so  great  miserie  as  they  dyd.  And  for  FABIUS 

liberalitie : the  one  shewed  it,  in  refusing  the  money  offred 
him : and  the  other,  in  geving  unto  those  that  needed,  and 
redeeming  his  poore  captive  contry  men.  And  yet  Fabius  Fabius 
might  dispend  no  great  revenue : for  his  whole  receiptes  revenue, 
came  only  to  sixe  talents.  But  for  Pericles,  it  is  hard  to 
saye  howe  riche  he  was,  who  had  comming  in  to  him,  great 
presents  by  his  authoritie,  aswel  of  the  subjects,  as  of  the 
friends  and  allies  of  the  Athenians,  as  also  of  Kings  and 
straunge  Princes : yet  he  never  tooke  bribe  for  all  that,  of 
any  persone  living.  And  to  conclude,  as  for  the  sumptuous  The  buildings 
building  of  temples,  the  stately  workes  and  common  build-  °f  Pome 
ings  : put  all  the  ornaments  together  that  ever  were  in  Rome,  n^ablf  to”1 
before  the  times  of  the  Caesars,  they  are  not  to  be  compared  pericles 
with  those,  wherewith  Pericles  dyd  beawtifie  and  adorne  workes. 
the  cittie  of  Athens.  For  neither  in  qualitie  nor 
quantitie  was  there  any  proportion  or  like  com- 
parison betweene  the  exceeding  sumptuousnes 
of  the  one,  and  of  the  other. 

THE  ENDE  OF  FABIUS  MAXIMUS  LIFE 


THE  LIFE  OF  ALCIBIADES 


LCIBIADES  by  his  fathers  side,  was  Alcibiades 
aunciently  descended  of  Eurysaces,  that  stocke. 
was  the  sonne  of  Ajax,  and  by  his 
mothers  side,  of  Alcmaeon  : for  his 
mother  Dinomacha,  was  the  daughter 
of  Megacles.  His  father  Clinias  having 
armed,  and  set  forth  a gallye,  at  his 
owne  proper  costes  and  charges,  dyd 
winne  great  honour  in  the  battell  by  sea,  that  was  fought 
alongest  the  coaste  of  Artemisium,  and  he  was  slaine  after- 
wardes  in  another  battell  fought  at  Coronea,  against  the 

£ : M 89 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 

Alcibiades 

tutours. 


The  mothers 
of  famous 
men  never 
knowen  what 
they  were. 


Alcibiades 

beawtie. 


Alcibiades 
lisped  by 
nature. 

*The  equivo- 
cation of  these 
two  Greeke 
wordes  Kopa 
and  KoAa,  is 
harde  to  be 
expressed  in 
Inglishe,  in 
stead  whereof 
I have  set 
flatling 
blowes,  for 
flattering 
browes,  ob- 
serving the 
grace  of  lisp- 
ing, as  neere 
as  I could, 
like  to  the 
Latin  and 
French  trans- 
lations, like- 
wise Theolus 
for  Theorus. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

Boeotians.  His  sonne  Alcibiades  tutours,  were  Pericles,  and 
Ariphron  Xanthippus  sonnes  : who  were  also  his  neere  kinse- 
men.  They  saye,  and  truely  : that  Socrates  good  will  and 
friendshippe  dyd  greatly  further  Alcibiades  honour.  For 
it  appeareth  not,  neither  was  it  ever  written,  what  were  the 
names  of  the  mothers  of  Nicias,  of  Demosthenes,  of  Lema- 
chus,  of  Phormion,  of  Thrasibulus,  and  of  Theramenes : all 
which  were  notable  famous  men  in  their  time.  And  to  the 
contrarie,  we  finde  the  nource  of  Alcibiades,  that  she  was  a 
Lacedaemonian  borne,  and  was  called  Amicla,  and  that  his 
schoolemaster  was  called  Zopyrus  : of  the  which,  Antisthenes 
mentioneth  the  one,  and  Plato  the  other.  Now  for  Alci- 
biades beawtie,  it  made  no  matter  if  we  speake  not  of  it, 
yet  I will  a litle  touche  it  by  the  waye : for  he  was  wonder- 
full  fayer,  being  a child,  a boye,  and  a man,  and  that  at  all 
times,  which  made  him  marvelous  amiable,  and  beloved 
of  every  man.  For  where  Euripides  sayeth,  that  of  all  the 
fayer  times  of  the  .yere,  the  Autumne  or  latter  season  is  the 
fayrest : that  commonly  falleth  not  out  true.  And  yet  it 
proved  true  in  Alcibiades,  though  in  fewe  other : for  he  was 
passing  fayer  even  to  his  latter  time,  and  of  good  tempera- 
ture of  bodie.  They  write  of  him  also,  that  his  tongue  was 
somewhat  fatte,  and  it  dyd  not  become  him  ill,  but  gave 
him  a certen  naturall  pleasaunt  grace  in  his  talke : which 
Aristophanes  mentioneth,  mocking  one  Theorus  that  dyd 
counterfeat  a lisping  grace  with  his  tongue. 

This  Alcibiades,  with  his  fat  lisping  tongue, 

into  mine  eares,  this  trusty  tale,  and  songe  full  often  songe. 

Looke  upon  Theolus  (quoth  he)  lo  there  he  bowes, 

beholde  his  comely  crowebright  face  with  fat  and  *flatling  blowes. 

The  sonne  of  Clinias,  would  lispe  it  thus  somewhiles, 
and  sure  he  lisped  never  a lye,  but  rightly  hyt  his  wiles. 

And  Archippus  another  poet  also,  mocking  the  sonne  of 
Alcibiades,  sayeth  thus : 

Bicause  he  would  be  like  his  father  everie  waye 

in  his  long  trayling  gowne  he  would  goe  jetting  daye  by  daye. 

And  counterfeate  his  speache,  his  countenaunce  and  face  : 

as  though  dame  nature  had  him  geven,  therein  a perfect  grace. 

To  lispe  and  looke  aside,  and  holde  his  head  awrye, 

even  as  his  father  lookt  and  lispt,  so  would  he  prate  and  prye. 

90 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

For  his  manners  they  altered  and  chaunged  very  oft  with 
time,  which  is  not  to  be  wondred  at,  seing  his  marvelous 
great  prosperitie,  as  also  adversitie  that  followed  him  after- 
wards. But  of  all  the  great  desiers  he  had,  and  that  by 
nature  he  was  most  inclined  to,  was  ambition,  seeking  to 
have  the  upper  hand  in  all  things,  and  to  be  taken  for  the 
best  persone:  as  appeareth  by  certaine  of  his  dedes,  and 
notable  sayings  in  his  youth e,  extant  in  writing.  One  daye 
wrestling  with  a companion  of  his,  that  handled  him  hardly, 
and  thereby  was  likely  to  have  geven  him  the  fall : he  got 
his  fellowes  arme  in  his  mouth,  and  bit  so  harde,  as  he 
would  have  eaten  it  of.  The  other  feeling  him  bite  so 
harde,  let  goe  his  holde  straight,  and  sayed  unto  him : What 
Alcibiades,  bitest  thou  like  a woman  ? No  mary  doe  I not 
(quoth  he)  but  like  a lyon.  Another  time  being  but  a litle 
boye,  he  played  at  skayles  in  the  middest  of  the  streete  with 
other  of  his  companions,  and  when  his  turne  came  about 
to  thro  we,  there  came  a carte  loden  by  chaunce  that  waye : 
Alcibiades  prayed  the  carter  to  staye  a while,  untill  he  had 
played  out  his  game,  bicause  the  skailes  were  set  right  in 
the  high  way  where  the  carte  should  passe  over.  The  carter 
was  a stubborne  knave,  and  would  not  staye  for  any  request 
the  boye  could  make,  but  drave  his  horse  on  still,  in  so  much 
as  other  boyes  gave  backe  to  let  him  goe  on : but  Alcibiades 
fell  flat  to  the  grounde  before  the  carte,  and  bad  the  carter 
drive  over  and  he  durste.  The  carter  being  afeard,  plucked 
backe  his  horse  to  staye  them : the  neighbours  flighted  to 
see  the  daunger,  ranne  to  the  boye  in  all  hast  crying  out. 
Afterwards  when  he  was  put  to  schoole  to  learne,  he  was 
very  obedient  to  all  his  masters  that  taught  him  any  thing, 
saving  that  he  disdained  to  learne  to  playe  of  the  flute  or 
recorder : saying,  that  it  was  no  gentlemanly  qualitie.  For, 
sayed  he,  to  playe  on  the  vyoll  with  a sticke,  doth  not  alter 
mans  favour,  nor  disgraceth  any  gentleman : but  otherwise, 
to  playe  on  the  flute,  his  countenaunce  altereth  and  chaungeth 
so  ofte,  that  his  familliar  friends  can  scant  knowe  him.  More- 
over, the  harpe  or  vyoll  doth  not  let  him  that  playeth  on 
them,  from  speaking,  or  singing  as  he  playeth : where  he 
that  playeth  on  the  flute,  holdeth  his  mouth  so  harde  to  it, 

91 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 

ambitious. 


Alcibiades 

studies. 

A vile  thing 
to  playe  of 
a flute. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Socrates  love 
to  Alcibiades. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

that  it  taketh  not  only  his  wordes  from  him,  but  his  voyce. 
Therefore,  sayed  he,  let  the  children  of  the  Thebans  playe 
on  the  flute,  that  cannot  tell  howe  to  speake  : as  for  us 
Athenians,  we  have  (as  our  forefathers  tell  us)  for  protectours 
and  patrones  of  our  countrie,  the  goddesse  Pallas,  and  the 
god  Apollo : of  the  which  the  one  in  olde  time  (as  it  is 
sayed)  brake  the  flute,  and  the  other  pulled  his  skinne  over 
his  eares,  that  played  upon  the  flute.  Thus  Alcibiades 
alledging  these  reasons,  partely  in  sporte,  and  partely  in 
good  earnest : dyd  not  only  him  selfe  leave  to  learne  to 
playe  on  the  flute,  but  he  turned  his  companions  mindes  also 
quite  from  it.  For  these  wordes  of  Alcibiades,  ranne  from 
boye  to  boye  incontinently : that  Alcibiades  had  reason  to 
despise  playing  of  the  flute,  and  that  he  mocked  all  those 
that  learned  to  play  of  it.  So  afterwards,  it  fell  out  at 
Athens,  that  teaching  to  playe  of  the  flute,  was  put  out  of 
the  number  of  honest  and  liberall  exercises,  and  the  flute  it 
selfe  was  thought  a vile  instrument,  and  of  no  reputation. 
Furthermore,  in  the  accusations  Antiphon  wrote  against 
Alcibiades,  it  is  declared  : that  when  he  was  a boye,  he  fled 
out  of  his  tutours  house,  into  the  house  of  Democrates  one  of 
his  lovers,  and  howe  Ariphron  one  of  his  tutours  thought 
to  have  made  a beadle  crie  him  through  the  cittie.  But 
Pericles  would  not  suffer  him,  saying : that  if  he  were  dead, 
they  should  knowe  it  but  one  daye  sooner  by  crying  of  him : 
and  if  he  were  alive,  that  it  would  be  such  a shame  to  him 
while  he  lived,  that  he  had  bene  better  he  had  never  bene 
heard  of  againe.  The  same  Antiphon  accuseth  him  further, 
that  he  had  killed  a servaunt  of  his  that  attended  on  him,  in 
the  wrestling  place  of  Sibyrtius,  with  a blowe  of  a staffe. 
But  there  is  no  reason  to  credit  his  writing,  who  confesseth 
he  speaketh  all  the  ill  he  can  of  him,  for  the  ill  will  he  dyd 
beare  him.  Now  straight  there  were  many  great  and  riche 
men  that  made  muche  of  Alcibiades,  and  were  glad  to  get 
his  good  will.  But  Socrates  love  unto  him  had  another  ende 
and  cause,  which  witnessed  that  Alcibiades  had  a naturall 
inclination  to  vertue.  Who  perceyving  that  vertue  dyd 
appeare  in  him,  and  was  joyned  with  the  other  beawtie  of 
his  face  and  bodye,  and  fearing  the  corruption  of  riches, 
92 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

dignitie  and  authoritie,  and  the  great  number  of  his  com- 
panions, aswell  of  the  chiefest  of  the  cittie,  as  of  straungers, 
seeking  to  entise  him  by  flatterie,  and  by  many  other 
pleasures : he  tooke  upon  him  to  protect  him  from  them  all, 
and  not  to  suffer  so  goodly  an  ympe  to  lose  the  hope  of  the 
good  fruite  of  his  youthe.  For  fortune  doth  never  so 
intangle  nor  snare  a man  without,  with  that  which  they 
commonly  call  riches,  as  to  let  and  hinder  him  so,  that 
philosophic  should  not  take  holde  on  him  with  her  free, 
severe,  and  quicke  reasons.  So  Alcibiades  was  at  the  begin- 
ning, assayed  with  all  delightes,  and  shut  up  as  it  were  in 
their  companie  that  feasted  him  with  all  pleasures,  only  to 
turne  him  that  he  should  not  hearken  to  Socrates  wordes, 
who  sought  to  bring  him  up  at  his  charge,  and  to  teach  him. 
But  Alcibiades  notwithstanding,  having  a good  naturall  wit, 
knewe  what  Socrates  was,  and  went  to  him,  refusing  the 
companie  of  all  his  riche  friendes  and  their  flatteries,  and 
fell  in  a kinde  of  familliar  friendshippe  with  Socrates.  Whom 
when  he  had  heard  speake,  he  noted  his  wordes  very  well, 
that  they  were  no  persuasions  of  a man  seeking  his  dis- 
honesty, but  one  that  gave  him  good  counsell,  and  went 
about  to  reforme  his  faultes  and  imperfections,  and  to  plucke 
downe  the  pride  and  presumption  that  was  in  him  : then,  as 
the  common  proverbe  sayeth, 

Like  to  the  craven  cocke,  he  drowped  downe  his  winges, 

which  cowardly  doth  ronne  awaye,  or  from  the  pit  out  flinges. 

And  dyd  thinke  with  selfe,  that  all  Socrates  love  and 
following  of  young  men,  was  in  dede  a thing  sent  from  the 
goddes,  and  ordeined  above  for  them,  whom  they  would  have 
preserved,  and  put  into  the  pathe  waye  of  honour.  There- 
fore he  beganne  to  despise  him  selfe,  and  greatly  to  rever- 
ence Socrates,  taking  pleasure  of  his  good  using  of  him,  and 
much  imbraced  his  vertue : so  as  he  had  (he  wist  not  howe) 
an  image  of  love  graven  in  his  harte,  or  rather  (as  Plato 
sayeth)  a mutuall  love,  to  wit,  an  holy  and  honest  affection 
towards  Socrates.  Insomuch  as  all  the  world  wondred  at 
Alcibiades,  to  see  him  commonly  at  Socrates  borde,  to  playe, 
to  wrestle,  and  to  lodge  in  the  warres  with  Socrates : and 

93 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades  in- 
solencie  unto 
Anytus. 


Alcibiades 
liberall  facte. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

contrarily  to  chide  his  other  well  willers,  who  could  not  so 
much  as  have  a good  looke  at  his  handes,  and  besides 
became  daungerous  to  some,  as  it  is  sayed  he  was  unto 
Anytus,  the  sonne  of  Anthemion,  being  one  of  those  that 
loved  him  well.  Anytus  making  good  cheere  to  certen 
straungers  his  friendes  that  were  come  to  see  him,  went  and 
prayed  Alcibiades  to  come  and  make  merie  with  them  : but 
he  refused  to  goe.  For  he  went  to  make  merie  with  certen 
of  his  companions  at  his  own  house,  and  after  he  had  well 
taken  in  his  cuppes,  he  went  to  Anytus  house  to  counter- 
feate  the  foole  amongest  them,  and  staying  at  the  halle 
doore,  and  seeing  Anytus  table  and  cubberd  full  of  plate  of 
silver  and  gold,  he  commaunded  his  servants  to  take  awaye 
half  of  it,  and  carie  it  home  to  his  house.  But  when  he  had 
thus  taken  his  pleasure,  he  would  come  no  neerer  into  the 
house,  but  went  his  waye  home.  Anytus  friendes  and 
guestes  misliking  this  straunge  parte  of  Alcibiades,  sayed  it 
was  shamefully  and  boldly  done  so  to  abuse  Anytus.  Nay, 
gently  done  of  him,  sayed  Anytus : for  he  hath  left  us  some, 
where  he  might  have  taken  all.  All  other  also  that  made 
much  of  him,  he  served  after  that  sorte.  Saving  a straunger 
that  came  to  dwell  in  Athens : who  being  but  a poore  man 
as  the  voyce  went,  sold  all  that  he  had,  whereof  he  made 
about  a hundred  stateres  which  he  brought  unto  Alcibiades, 
and  prayed  him  to  take  it  at  his  handes.  Alcibiades  beganne 
to  be  merie,  and  being  very  glad  to  understand  his  good 
will  towards  him,  tooke  his  honest  offer,  and  prayed  him  to 
come  to  supper  to  him : so  he  welcomed  him  very  hartely, 
and  made  him  good  cheere.  When  supper  was  done,  he 
gave  him  his  money  againe,  and  commaunded  him  not  to 
faile  the  next  morning  to  meete  him  where  the  farmes  and 
landes  of  the  cittie  are  wont  to  be  let  out  to  those  that  byd 
most,  and  charged  him  he  should  out  byd  all.  The  poore 
man  would  fayne  have  excused  him  self,  saying,  the  farmes 
were  to  great  for  him  to  hyre : but  Alcibiades  threatned  to 
whippe  him,  if  he  would  not  doe  it.  For  besides  the  desire 
he  had  to  pleasure  him,  he  bare  a private  grudge  against 
the  ordinary  farmers  of  the  cittie.  The  next  morning  the 
straunger  was  ready  in  the  market  place,  where  they  dyd 
94 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

crie  out  the  letting  of  their  farmes,  and  he  raised  one  to  a 
talent  more,  then  all  other  dyd  offer.  The  other  farmers 
were  as  mad  with  him  as  they  could  be,  that  they  all  dyd 
set  upon  him,  crying  out : Let  him  put  in  suertie  straight, 
supposing  he  could  have  founde  none.  The  straunger  was 
marvelous  blancke  thereat,  and  beganne  to  shrincke  backe. 
Then  cried  Alcibiades  out  alowde  to  the  officers  that  sate 
there  to  take  the  best  offers : I will  be  his  suertie,  sayeth  he, 
put  me  in  the  booke,  for  he  is  a friend  of  mine.  The  farmers 
hearing  him  saye  so,  were  at  their  wittes  ende,  and  wiste  not 
what  to  doe.  For  they  being  allwayes  accustomed  to  paye 
their  yerely  rent  as  it  went  before,  by  the  helpe  of  the  rest 
of  the  yeres  that  followed  after : percey ving  now  that  they 
should  not  be  able  to  paye  the  arrerages  of  the  rentes  due  to 
the  common  weale,  and  seeing  no  other  remedie,  they  prayed 
him  to  take  a pece  of  money,  and  to  leave  the  bargaine. 
Then  Alcibiades  would  in  no  wise  he  should  take  lesse  then 
a talent,  which  they  gave  him  willingly.  So  Alcibiades 
suffered  the  straunger  then  to  departe,  and  made  him  gaine 
by  his  devise.  Now  Socrates  love  which  he  bare  him,  though 
it  had  many  mightie  and  great  adversaries,  yet  it  dyd  staye 
much  Alcibiades,  somtime  by  his  gentle  nature,  somtime  by 
his  grave  co  unsell  and  advise : so  as  the  reason  thereof  tooke 
so  deepe  roote  in  him,  and  dyd  so  pearce  his  harte,  that 
many  times  the  teares  ranne  downe  his  cheekes.  Another 
time  also  being  caried  awaye  with  the  intisement  of  flatterers, 
that  held  up  his  humour  with  all  pleasure  and  delightes,  he 
stale  awaye  from  Socrates,  and  made  him  ronne  after  him  to 
fetche  him  againe,  as  if  he  had  bene  a slave  that  had  ronne 
awaye  from  his  masters  house : for  Alcibiades  stoode  in  awe 
of  no  man  but  of  Socrates  only,  and  in  deede  he  dyd  rever- 
ence him,  and  dyd  despise  all  other.  And  therefore  Cleanthes 
was  wont  to  saye,  that  Alcibiades  was  held  of  Socrates  by 
the  eares : but  that  he  gave  his  other  lovers  holde,  which 
Socrates  never  sought  for : for  to  saye  truely,  Alcibiades  was 
muche  geven  over  to  lust  and  pleasure.  And  peradventure 
it  was  that  Thucydides  ment  of  him,  when  he  wrote  that  he 
was  incontinent  of  bodie,  and  dissolute  of  life.  Those  that 
marred  Alcibiades  quite,  dyd  still  pricke  forward  his  ambi- 

95 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 
ranne  from 
Socrates. 


Alcibiades 
geven  to 
pleasure. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 
strake  a 
schoole- 
master, 
bicause  he 
had  not 
Homer  in 
his  schoole. 


Alcibiades 
first  souldier 
fare  with 
Socrates. 

Alcibiades 
saved  by 
Socrates. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

tion  and  desire  of  honour,  and  dyd  put  him  in  the  head  to 
thrust  him  selfe  into  great  matters  betimes,  making  him 
beleeve  that  if  he  dyd  but  once  beginne  to  shewe  him  selfe 
to  deale  in  matters  of  state,  he  would  not  only  bleamishe 
and  deface  all  other  governours,  but  farre  excell  Pericles,  in 
authoritie  and  power  among  the  Grecians.  For  like  as  iron 
by  fire  is  made  softe,  to  be  wrought  in  to  any  forme,  and  by 
colde  also  doth  shut  and  harden  in  againe  : even  so  Alcibiades 
being  puffed  up  with  vanitie  and  opinion  of  him  self,  as  ofte 
as  Socrates  tooke  him  in  hande,  was  made  faste  and  firme 
againe  by  his  good  persuasions,  insomuch  that  when  he  sawe 
his  owne  faulte  and  follie,  and  how  farre  wide  he  had  strayed 
from  vertue,  he  became  sodainely  very  humble  and  lowly 
againe.  Now  on  a time  when  he  was  growen  to  mans  state, 
he  went  into  a grammer  schoole,  and  asked  the  schoolemaster 
for  one  of  Homers  bookes.  The  schoolemaster  aunswered 
him,  he  had  none  of  them : Alcibiades  up  with  his  fiste,  and 
gave  him  a good  boxe  on  the  eare,  and  went  his  waye. 
Another  grammarian  tolde  him  on  a time  he  had  Homer  which 
he  had  corrected.  Alcibiades  replied,  Why  what  meanest 
thou,  to  stand  teaching  litle  children  their  abce,  when  thou 
art  able  to  correct  Homer,  and  to  teache  young  men,  not 
boyes  ? Another  time  he  came  and  knocked  at  Pericles  gate, 
desirous  to  speake  with  him : aunswer  was  made  him,  he 
was  not  at  leysure  now,  for  that  he  was  busilie  occupied  by 
him  self,  thinking  on  his  reckonings  he  had  to  make  with  the 
Athenians.  Why,  sayed  he,  going  his  waye : it  were  better 
he  were  occupied,  thinking  how  to  make  no  accompt  at  all. 
Moreover,  being  but  a young  boye,  he  was  at  the  jorney  of 
Potidaea,  where  he  laye  still  with  Socrates,  who  would  never 
let  him  be  from  him  in  all  battells  and  skirmishes  he  was  in  : 
among  which  there  was  one,  very  whotte  and  bloody,  where 
they  both  fought  valliantly,  and  Alcibiades  was  hurte.  But 
Socrates  stepped  before  him,  and  dyd  defend  him  so  valliantly 
before  them  all,  that  he  saved  him  and  his  weapon  out  of 
the  enemies  handes.  So  the  honour  of  this  fight  out  of 
doubt,  in  equitie  and  reason,  was  due  unto  Socrates : but  yet 
the  captaines  would  faine  have  judged  it  on  Alcibiades  side, 
bicause  he  was  of  a noble  house.  But  Socrates,  bicause  he 

96 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

would  increase  his  desire  of  honour,  and  would  pricke  him  ALCIBIA- 
forward  to  honest  and  commendable  things,  was  the  very  DES 
first  that  witnessed  Alcibiades  had  deserved  it:  and  there- 
fore prayed  the  captaines  to  judge  him  the  crowne  and 
complet  armour.  Afterwards,  in  the  battell  of  Delion,  the 
Athenians  having  receyved  the  overthrowe,  Socrates  retired 
with  a fewe  other  a foote.  Alcibiades  being  a horse  backe,  Alcibiades 
and  overtaking  him,  would  not  goe  from  him,  but  kept  him  saved  So- 
company,  and  defended  him  against  a troupe  of  his  enemies  ^er  the*6 
that  followed  him,  and  slue  many  of  his  company.  But  that  overthrow 
was  a prety  while  after,  and  before  he  gave  a boxe  of  the  at  the  battaill 
eare  unto  Hipponicus,  Callias  father:  who  was  one  of  the  of  Delion, 
greatest  men  of  power  in  the  cittie,  being  a noble  man 
borne,  and  of  great  possessions,  which  was  done  upon  a 
bravery  and  certaine  lustines,  as  having  layed  a wager  with 
his  companions  he  would  doe  it,  and  for  no  malice  or  quarrell 
that  he  bare  the  man.  This  light  parte  was  straight  over 
all  the  cittie,  and  every  one  that  heard  it,  sayed  it  was  lewdly 
done.  But  Alcibiades  the  next  morning  went  to  his  house, 
and  knocking  at  his  gate  was  let  in : so  he  stripping  him 
selfe  before  him,  delivered  him  his  bodie  to  be  whipped,  and 
punished  at  his  pleasure.  Hipponicus  pardoned  him,  and 
was  friends  with  him,  and  gave  him  his  daughter  Hipparete 
afterwards  in  mariage.  Howbeit  some  saye,  it  was  not  Alcibiades 
Hipponicus  that  gave  her  to  him : but  Callias  sonne,  with  maried. 
tenne  talents  of  gold  with  her.  Afterwards  at  the  birth  of 
his  first  child  he  had  by  her,  he  asked  tenne  talents  more, 
saying : they  were  promised  him  upon  the  contract,  if  his  wife 
had  children.  But  Callias  fearing  least  this  was  an  occasion 
sought  of  him  to  lye  in  wayte  to  kill  him  for  his  goodes : 
declared  openly  to  the  people,  that  he  made  him  his  heire 
generall,  if  he  dyed  without  heires  speciall  of  his  bodie. 

This  gentlewoman  Hipparete,  being  an  honest  true  wife  to 
Alcibiades,  misliking  her  husband  dyd  so  muche  misuse  her, 
as  to  entertaine  common  light  strumpets,  aswell  cittizens  as 
straungers : she  went  abroad  one  day  to  her  brothers  house, 
and  tolde  him  of  it.  Alcibiades  passed  not  for  it,  and  made 
no  further  reckoning  of  the  matter : but  only  bad  his  wife, 
if  she  would,  present  her  cause  of  divorse  before  the  judge. 

2 : N 97 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 

Hipparete 
sueth  to  be 
divorced  from 
Alcibiades. 


Alcibiades 
great  dogge. 


Alcibiades 

largesse. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

So  she  went  thither  her  selfe,  to  sue  the  divorce  betwene 
them,  according  to  the  lawe:  but  Alcibiades  being  there 
also,  tooke  her  by  the  hande,  and  caried  her  through  the 
market  place  home  to  his  house,  and  no  man  durst  medle 
betwene  them,  to  take  her  from  him.  And  so  she  continued 
with  him  all  the  dayes  of  her  life,  which  was  not  long  after 
for  she  died,  when  Alcibiades  was  in  his  jorney  he  made  to 
Ephesus.  This  force  Alcibiades  used,  was  not  thought 
altogether  unlawfull,  nor  uncivill,  bicause  it  seemeth  that 
the  lawe  was  grounded  upon  this  cause : that  the  wife  which 
would  be  divorced  from  her  husband,  should  goe  her  selfe 
openly  before  the  judge  to  put  up  her  complainte,  to  the 
ende,  that  by  this  meanes,  the  husband  might  come  to  speake 
with  his  wife,  and  seeke  to  staye  her  if  he  could.  Alcibiades 
had  a marvelous  fayer  great  dogge,  that  cost  him  three  score 
and  tenne  minas,  and  he  cut  of  his  taile  that  was  his  chief 
beawtie.  When  his  friendes  reproved  him,  and  tolde  him 
how  every  man  blamed  him  for  it : he  fell  a laughing,  and 
tolde  them  he  had  that  he  sought.  For,  sayeth  he,  I would 
have  the  Athenians  rather  prate  upon  that,  then  they  should 
saye  worse  of  me.  Moreover,  it  is  sayed,  the  first  time  that 
Alcibiades  spake  openly  in  the  common  weale,  and  beganne 
to  deale  in  matters,  was  upon  a gifte  of  money  he  gave  to 
the  people,  and  not  of  any  pretence,  or  former  purpose  he 
had  to  doe  it.  One  daye  as  he  came  through  the  market 
place,  hearing  the  people  very  lowde,  he  asked  what  the 
matter  was : they  tolde  him  it  was  about  money  certen  men 
had  geven  to  the  people.  Then  Alcibiades  went  to  them, 
and  gave  them  money  out  of  his  owne  purse.  The  people 
were  so  glad  at  that,  as  they  fell  to  showting  and  clapping 
of  their  handes,  in  token  of  thankfullnes  : and  him  selfe  was 
so  glad  for  companie,  that  he  forgat  a quayle  he  had  under 
his  gowne,  which  was  so  afeard  of  the  noyse,  that  she  tooke 
her  flight  away.  The  people  seeing  the  quayle,  made  a 
greater  noyse  then  before,  and  many  rose  out  of  their  places 
to  runne  after  her : so  that  in  the  ende,  it  was  taken  up  by 
a master  of  a shippe  called  Antiochus,  who  brought  him  the 
quayle  againe,  and  for  that  cause  Alcibiades  dyd  love  him 
ever  after.  Now  albeit  the  nobilitie  of  his  house,  his  goodes, 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

his  worthines,  and  the  great  number  of  his  kinsemen  and  ALCIBIA- 

friends  made  his  waye  open  to  take  upon  him  government  in  DES 

the  common  weale.  Yet  the  only  waye  he  desired  to  winne  Alcibiades 

the  favour  of  the  common  people  by,  was  the  grace  of  his  comminginto 

eloquence.  To  prove  he  was  eloquent,  all  the  Comicall  poets  the  common 

doe  testifie  it : and  besides  them,  Demosthenes  the  prince  of  wea  * ' 

orators  also  doth  saye,  in  an  oration  he  made  against  Midias, 

that  Alcibiades  above  all  other  qualities  he  had,  was  most  Alcibiades 

eloquent.  And  if  we  maye  beleeve  Theophrastus,  the  greatest  marvelous 

searcher  of  antiquities,  and  best  historiographer  above  any  ®l0(l^cnt. 

other  philosopher:  he  hath  written,  that  Alcibiades  had  as  witteantT 

good  a witte  to  devise  and  consider  what  he  would  saye,  as  imperfection. 

any  man  that  was  in  his  time.  Howbeit  somtimes  studying 

what  he  should  saye,  as  also  to  deliver  good  wordes,  not 

having  them  very  readilie  at  his  tongues  ende : he  many 

times  tooke  breath  by  the  waye,  and  paused  in  the  middest 

of  his  tale,  not  speaking  a worde,  untill  he  had  called  it  to 

minde,  that  he  would  saye.  His  charge  was  great,  and  muche 

spoken  of  also,  for  keeping  of  ronning  horses  at  games : not 

only  bicause  they  were  the  best  and  swiftest,  but  for  the 

number  of  coches  he  had  besides.  For  never  private  persone, 

no  nor  any  prince,  that  ever  sent  seven  so  well  appointed 

coches,  in  all  furniture,  unto  the  games  Olympicall,  as  he 

dyd : nor  that  at  one  course  hath  borne  awaye  the  first,  the 

second,  and  the  fourth  prise,  as  Thucydides  sayeth:  or  as 

Euripides  reporteth,  the  third.  For  in  that  game,  he  excelled 

all  men  in  honour  and  name  that  ever  strived  for  victorie 

therein.  For  Euripides  pronounced  his  praise,  in  a songe  Alcibiades 

he  made  of  him,  as  fv  lloweth : victorie  at 

the  games 

O sonne  of  Clinias,  I will  resounde  thy  praise : Olympicall. 

for  thou  art  bold  in  martiall  dedes,  and  overcommest  allwayes. 

Thy  victories  therewith,  doe  farre  exceede  the  rest, 

that  ever  were  in  Greece  ygot,  therefore  I compt  them  best. 

For  at  thOlympike  games,  thou  hast  with  chariots  wonne, 
the  first  price,  seconde,  thirde  and  all,  which  there  in  race  were 
ronne. 

With  praise  and  litle  payne,  thy  head  hath  twise  bene  crownde, 
with  olive  boughes  for  victorie,  and  twise  by  trumpets  sounde. 

The  heraulds  have  proclaimed  thee  victor  by  thy  name  : 

above  all  those,  which  ranne  with  thee,  in  hope  to  get  the  game. 

99 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades  a 
breaker  of 
promise. 


Alcibiades 
adversaries  in 
the  common 
wealth  when 
he  came  to 
pleade. 

Phaeax  lacked 
eloquence. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

Howbeit  the  good  affection  divers  citties  did  beare  him, 
contending  which  should  gratifie  him  best,  dyd  muche  in- 
crease his  fame  and  honour.  For  the  Ephesians  dyd  set  up  a 
tente  for  him,  very  sumptuously  and  richely  furnished.  Those 
of  the  cittie  of  Chio,  furnished  him  with  provinder  for  his 
horse,  and  gave  him  muttons  besides,  and  other  beastes  to 
sacrifice  withall.  They  of  Lesbos  also  sent  him  in  wine  and 
other  provision  for  vittells,  to  helpe  him  to  defraye  the  great 
charges  he  was  at  in  keeping  open  house,  and  feeding  such  a 
number  of  mouthes  day  lie.  Yet  the  spite  they  dyd  beare 
him,  or  rather  his  breache  of  promise  which  he  often  made, 
with  this  magnificence  and  state  he  shewed,  gave  the  people 
more  cause  to  speak  of  him  then  before.  For  they  saye  there 
was  one  Diomedes  at  Athens,  a friend  of  Alcibiades,  and  no 
ill  man,  who  desired  once  in  his  life  to  winne  a game  at  the 
playes  Olympicall.  This  man  being  enformed  that  the  Ar- 
gives  had  a coche  excellently  furnished,  belonging  to  their 
common  weale,  and  knowing  that  Alcibiades  could  doe  very 
much  in  the  cittie  of  Argos,  bicause  he  had  many  friends  in 
the  same  : he  came  to  intreate  Alcibiades  to  buye  this  coche 
for  him.  Alcibiades  thereupon  bought  it,  but  kept  it  to  him 
selfe,  not  regarding  Diomedes  request  he  had  made.  Dio- 
medes seeing  that  fell  starke  mad  for  anger,  and  called  the 
goddes  and  men  to  witnesses,  that  Alcibiades  did  him  open 
wrong : and  it  seemeth,  that  there  fell  out  sute  in  lawe  upon 
the  same.  For  Isocrates  wrote  an  oration,  and  drue  a plea 
in  defence  of  Alcibiades,  being  yet  but  a childe,  touching  a 
couple  of  horses : yet  in  this  plea,  his  adversarie  was  called 
Tisias,  and  not  Diomedes.  Furthermore,  Alcibiades  being 
yet  but  a young  man,  when  he  came  to  practise  and  pleade 
publikly,  he  put  all  other  Oratours  to  silence,  but  only  two 
that  were  ever  against  him  : the  one  was  Phaeax  the  sonne  of 
Erasistratus,  and  the  other  Nicias,  the  sonne  of  Niceratus. 
Of  these  two,  Nicias  was  a man  growen,  and  had  wonne  the 
name  and  reputation  of  a good  captaine.  And  Phaeax  be- 
ganne  also  to  come  forward  as  he  dyd,  being  of  a good  and 
honorable  house : but  he  lacked  many  things,  and  among 
other,  eloquence  specially.  For,  he  could  more  properly  talke 
and  discourse  among  his  friends  privately,  then  he  had  any 

100 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

good  grace  to  open  a matter  openly  before  the  people.  For  ALCIBIA- 
he  had,  as  Eupolis  sayeth : DES 

Wordes  enowe,  but  no  eloquence. 

There  is  a certen  oration  extant  in  writing,  against  Alci- 
biades  and  Phaeax : where  among  other  accusations  is  brought 
in,  howe  Alcibiades  was  ordinarily  served  in  his  house,  with 
gold  and  silver  plate  that  belonged  to  the  common  weale,  and 
which  were  used  to  be  borne  for  state  and  magnificence,  in 
solemne  processions  before  them,  and  how  he  used  them  as 
boldly,  as  if  they  had  bene  his  owne.  Now  there  was  one 
Hyperbolus  in  Athens  at  that  time  borne  in  the  village  of  Hyperbolus 
Perithoide : of  whom  Thucydides  maketh  mencion,  as  of  a banished  for 
naughty  wicked  man,  whose  tongue  was  a fit  instrument  to  10  years* 
deliver  matter  to  all  the  Comicall  poets  of  that  time,  to 
poore  out  all  their  tawnts  and  mockes  against  men.  How- 
beit  he  was  so  impudent  a persone,  and  cared  so  litle  what 
men  sayed  of  him,  that  he  passed  not  though  he  were  de- 
famed, neither  dyd  any  thing  greve  him,  whatsoever  they 
reported  of  him : which  some  doe  call  boldnes,  and  corage, 
being  no  better  in  deede  then  plaine  impudencie,  extreme 
madnes,  and  desperate  follie.  He  would  never  please  any 
man : and  if  the  common  people  had  any  grudge  to  any 
noble  man  or  magistrate,  whom  they  would  any  waye  accuse, 

Hyperbolus  wicked  tongue  was  their  instrument  to  utter  their 
spyte.  Now  the  people  (by  Hyperbolus  procurement)  being 
assembled,  were  ready  to  proceede  to  the  banishment  of 
Ostracismon  by  most  voyces.  The  manner  and  custome  of  The  manner 
this  kynde  of  banishment  was  for  a time  to  banish  out  of  of  the  punish- 
their  cittie  such  a one,  as  seemed  to  have  to  great  authoritie  ?f  the 
and  credit  in  the  cittie : and  that  was,  rather  to  satisfie  their  8 raclsmon- 
envie,  then  for  to  remedy  their  feare.  And  bicause  it  was 
manifest  it  would  fall  out  to  one  of  them  three  to  be  banished 
(to  wit,  Alcibiades,  Nicias,  or  Phaeax)  Alcibiades  found 
meanes  to  joyne  all  their  three  factions  in  one,  becomming 
friends  one  to  another : and  having  conferred  with  Nicias 
about  it,  he  made  Hyperbolus  self  to  be  banished,  who  was 
the  chief  instrument  to  prepare  the  waye  of  their  banish- 
ment. Howbeit  other  saye,  he  spake  not  with  Nicias  about 

101 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Nicias  peace. 

Alcibiades 
breaketh  the 
peace  of  the 
Graecians. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

it,  but  with  Phaeax,  and  joyning  his  parte  with  Phaeax,  he 
caused  Hyperbolus  to  be  banished,  who  feared  nothing  lesse  : 
for  it  was  never  seene  before,  that  a man  of  meane  counten- 
aunce,  and  of  small  authoritie,  fell  into  the  happe  of  this 
banishment.  As  Plato  the  Comical  poet  testifieth,  speaking 
of  Hyperbolus : 

Although  for  his  deserts,  this  payne  to  him  is  due, 

or  greater  punishment  prepard,  the  which  might  make  him  rue : 

Y et  since  he  was  by  birth,  a persone  meane  and  base, 
such  punishment  therefore  dyd  seeme  (for  him)  to  great  of  grace. 

Since  Ostracismon  was,  not  made  at  first  to  be, 

nor  yet  devisde  as  punishment,  for  suche  meane  folke  as  he. 

But  of  this  matter,  we  have  spoken  more  at  large  before  : 
and  now  to  returne  againe  to  Alcibiades.  Nicias  had  great 
reputation  among  straungers,  and  his  enemies  greved  at  it  no 
lesse,  then  at  the  honour  the  cittizens  selves  dyd  unto  him. 
For  his  house  was  the  common  inne  for  all  Lacedaemonians 
when  they  came  to  Athens,  and  they  ever  laye  with  him  : 
moreover  he  had  very  well  entertained  the  Lacadaemon  pri- 
soners that  were  taken  at  the  forte  of  Pyle.  And  afterwards 
when  peace  was  concluded  betweene  Lacedaemon  and  Athens, 
and  their  prisoners  redelivered  home  againe  by  Nicias  meanes 
only  and  procurement : they  loved  him  more  then  ever  they 
dyd  before.  This  was  blowen  abroade  through  Greece,  that 
Pericles  had  kindled  the  warres  amongest  them,  and  Nicias 
quenched  it : so  some  called  this  peace  Nicium,  as  one  would 
saye,  Nicias  worke.  But  Alcibiades  stomaking  this,  and  envy- 
ing Nicias  glorie,  determined  to  breake  the  peace  whatso- 
ever came  of  it.  Wherefore  to  compasse  this  matter,  knowing 
first  of  all  that  the  Argives  had  no  liking  of  the  Lacedae- 
monians, but  were  their  mortall  enemies,  and  that  they  dyd 
but  seeke  matter  to  fall  out  with  them : he  secretly  put  them 
in  hope  of  peace  and  league  with  the  Athenians.  Moreover 
he  dyd  persuade  them  to  it,  both  by  letters  and  worde  of 
mouthe,  speaking  with  the  magistrates,  and  suche  as  had 
greatest  authoritie  and  credit  amongest  the  people  : declaring 
unto  them,  that  they  should  not  feare  the  Lacedaemonians, 
nor  yeld  to  them  at  all,  but  to  sticke  to  the  Athenians,  who 
would  sone  repent  them  of  the  peace  they  had  made,  and 

102 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

breake  it  with  them.  Afterwardes  when  the  Lacedaemonians 
had  made  league  with  the  Boeotians,  and  had  redelivered  the 
cittie  of  Panactum  to  the  Athenians,  all  defaced  and  spoyled, 
contrarie  to  the  league  : Alcibiades  perceyving  how  the  people 
were  muche  offended  thereat,  made  them  more  earnest  against 
them,  and  therewithall  brought  Nicias  in  disgrace  with  the 
people,  and  charged  him  with  many  matters  of  great  likely- 
hood.  As  at  that  time,  when  he  was  generall : that  he  would 
never  take  any  of  the  Lacedaemonians,  when  they  were  shut 
up  within  the  He  of  Sphacteria,  and  muche  lesse  distresse 
them  when  he  might : and  moreover  that  when  other  had 
taken  them  prisoners  by  force,  that  he  had  founde  the  meanes 
to  deliver  them,  and  send  them  home  againe,  to  gratifie  the 
Lacedaemonians.  Furthermore,  that  being  their  friende,  he 
dyd  not  his  duety  to  disswade  the  people  from  making  of 
league  offensive,  and  defensive  with  the  Boeotians  and  the 
Corinthians : and  againe  also,  if  there  were  any  people  of 
Greece  that  had  a desire  to  become  friendes  and  allies  with 
the  Athenians,  that  he  dyd  the  best  he  could  to  let  them,  if 
the  Lacedaemonians  had  no  liking  of  the  matter.  Now  as 
Nicias  was  thus  in  disgrace  with  the  people,  for  the  causes 
above  sayd  : in  the  middest  of  this  sturre,  ambassadours  came 
by  chaunce  from  Lacedaemon  to  Athens,  who  at  their  com- 
ming  gave  very  good  wordes,  saying  they  had  full  power  and 
commission  to  compound  all  controversies,  under  reasonable 
and  equall  conditions.  The  Senate  heard  them,  and  receaved 
them  very  curteously,  and  the  people  the  next  daye  should 
assemble  in  counsell  to  geve  them  audience  : which  Alcibia- 
des fearing  muche,  he  went  to  labour  the  ambassadours,  and 
spake  with  them  aparte  in  this  sorte.  What  meane  you,  my 
Lordes  of  Sparta : doe  ye  not  knowe  that  the  Senate  hath  all- 
wayes  accustomed  to  be  gracious  and  favorable  unto  those 
that  sue  unto  them  for  any  matter,  and  that  the  people  con- 
trarilie  are  of  a prowde  nature,  and  desirous  to  imbrace  all 
great  matters  P If  therefore  at  the  first  sight,  ye  doe  geve 
them  to  understand  that  you  are  come  hither  with  full  power, 
to  treate  freely  with  them  in  all  manner  of  causes : doe  you 
not  thinke  that  they  make  you  stretche  your  authoritie  farre, 
to  graunte  them  all  that  they  will  demaunde.  Therefore,  my 

103 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 
beguileth  the 
Lacedaemo- 
nians. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 

chosen 

generall. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

Lordes  ambassadours,  if  you  looke  for  indifferencie  at  the 
Athenians  handes,  and  that  they  shall  not  prease  you  to  farre 
against  your  willes,  to  graunte  them  any  thing  of  advantage  : 
I would  wishe  you  a litle  to  cover  your  full  commission,  and 
in  open  manner  to  propound  certen  articles,  and  reasonable 
capitulations  of  peace,  not  acquainting  them  otherwise  with 
your  full  power  to  agree  in  all  things : and  for  my  parte,  I 
will  assure  you  of  my  good  will  in  favour  of  the  Lacedae- 
monians. When  he  had  tolde  them  this  tale,  he  gave  them 
his  faithfull  promise,  and  vowed  as  it  were  to  performe  his 
worde.  Hereupon  Alcibiades  turned  the  Ambassadours  from 
the  trust  they  reposed  in  Nicias,  and  wanne  them  on  his  side : 
in  so  muche  as  they  gave  credit  to  no  man  but  to  him,  won- 
dering muche  at  his  great  wisedome  and  readye  wit,  and  they 
thought  him  a rare  and  notable  man.  The  next  morning  the 
people  were  assembled  to  geve  the  ambassadours  audience. 
They  were  sent  for,  and  brought  into  the  market  place. 
There  Alcibiades  gently  asked  them,  what  was  the  cause  of 
their  comming.  They  aunswered  : that  they  were  come  to 
treate  of  peace,  but  they  had  no  power  to  determine  any 
thing.  Then  beganne  Alcibiades  to  be  angrie  with  them,  as 
if  they  had  done  him  wrong,  and  not  he  any  to  them  : calling 
them  unfaithfull,  unconstant,  and  fickle  men,  that  were  come 
neither  to  doe,  nor  saye  any  thing  worth  the  hearing.  The 
Senate  also  were  offended  with  them,  and  the  people  rated 
them  very  roughely : whereat  Nicias  was  so  ashamed  and 
amased  withall,  that  he  could  not  tell  what  to  saye,  to  see  so 
sodaine  a chaunge,  knowing  nothing  of  Alcibiades  malice  and 
subtill  practise  with  the  ambassadours.  So  the  ambassadours 
of  Lacedaemon  were  dispatched,  without  any  thing  done, 
and  Alcibiades  chosen  generall : who  presently  brought  the 
Argives,  the  Elians,  and  the  Mantinians  in  league  with  the 
Athenians.  Though  no  man  dyd  commend  this  practise  of 
his,  in  working  it  after  this  sorte : yet  was  it  a marvelous 
thing  of  him  to  devise  to  put  all  Peloponnesus  in  armes,  and 
to  procure  such  a number  of  souldiers  against  the  Lacedae- 
monians, as  he  dyd  before  the  cittie  of  Mantinea,  and  to 
shifte  of  the  miseries  of  warre  and  hazard  of  battell,  so  farre 
from  Athens.  Which  if  the  Lacedaemonians  dyd  winne,  could 
104 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


not  profit  them  muche  : and  if  they  lost  it,  they  could  hardely 
save  their  cittie  of  Sparta.  After  this  battell  of  Mantinea, 
the  thousand  men  whom  the  cittie  by  an  auncient  order  dyd 
keepe  continually  in  paye,  aswell  in  peace  as  in  warre,  within 
the  cittie  of  Argos,  thinking  now  oportunitie  served  them 
very  trimly  : attempted  to  take  the  soveraine  authoritie  from 
the  common  people,  and  to  make  them  selves  Lords  of  the 
cittie.  And  to  bring  this  to  passe,  the  Lacedaemonians  com- 
ming  in  the  meane  time,  dyd  ayde  them  in  their  purpose, 
and  so  dyd  put  downe  the  government  of  the  people  : notwith- 
standing, immediatly  after  the  people  tooke  armes  againe, 
and  became  the  stronger.  Alcibiades  comming  thither  even 
at  that  time,  dyd  warrant  them  the  victorie,  and  to  set  up 
againe  the  authoritie  of  the  people.  Then  he  persuaded  them 
to  make  their  walles  longer  to  joyne  their  cittie  to  the  sea, 
to  the  ende  they  might  more  easely  be  ayded  by  sea,  by  the 
Athenians.  He  brought  them  also  from  Athens,  many  car- 
pinters,  masons,  stone  hewers,  and  other  workemen : and  to 
conclude,  he  shewed  them  by  all  the  meanes  and  wayes  he 
could,  that  he  dyd  beare  good  will  unto  them,  and  thereby 
wanne  him  selfe  no  lesse  favour  particularly  emong  them, 
then  generally  he  dyd  good  unto  his  countrie.  He  dyd  per- 
suade also  the  cittizens  of  Patras  to  joyne  their  towne  to  the 
sea,  by  making  long  walles,  which  they  built  out  even  to  the 
clyffes  of  the  sea.  And  when  one  sayed  unto  them,  Alas, 
poore  people  of  Patras,  what  doe  ye  meane  ? the  Athenians 
will  eate  you  out.  Alcibiades  aunswered  him,  It  maye  well 
be,  but  it  shalbe  by  litle  and  litle,  beginning  first  at  the 
feete : but  the  Lacedaemonians  will  devoure  you  all  at  once, 
and  beginne  at  the  head.  Now  although  Alcibiades  dyd 
make  the  cittie  of  Athens  strong  by  sea,  yet  he  dyd  not  leave 
to  persuade  the  Athenians  also,  to  make  them  selves  strong 
by  lande.  For  he  dyd  put  the  young  men  oftentimes  in 
minde  of  the  othe  they  were  made  to  sweare  in  Agraulos,  and 
dyd  advise  them  to  accomplishe  it  in  deede.  Which  was, 
that  they  should  take  all  corne  fields,  vines,  and  olyve  trees, 
to  be  the  borders  and  confines  of  Attica,  whereby  they  were 
taught  to  reckon  all  lande  theirs,  that  was  manured,  and  dyd 
bring  forth  fruite.  Yet  with  all  these  goodly  dedes  and  fayer 
2:0  ' 105 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


The  walles 
brought  to  the 
sea  by  the 
Argives. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 

Alcibiades 

ryot. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

wordes  of  Alcibiades,  and  with  this  great  corage  and  quicknes 
of  understanding,  he  had  many  great  faultes  and  imperfec- 
tions. For  he  was  to  daintie  in  his  fare,  wantonly  geven  unto 
light  women,  riotous  in  bankets,  vaine  and  womanishe  in  ap- 
parell : he  ware  ever  a long  purple  gowne  that  swept  the 
market  place  as  he  walked  up  and  downe,  it  had  suche  a 
traine,  and  was  to  riche  and  costely  for  him  to  weare.  And 
following  these  vaine  pleasures  and  delightes,  when  he  was  in 
his  galley,  he  caused  the  planckes  of  the  poope  thereof  to  be 
cutte  and  broken  up,  that  he  might  lye  the  softer : for  his 
bed  was  not  layed  apon  the  overloppe,  but  laye  upon  girthes 
strained  over  the  hole,  cut  out  and  fastened  to  the  sides,  and 
he  caried  to  the  warres  with  him  a gilded  scutchion,  wherein 
he  had  no  cognizaunce  nor  ordinary  devise  of  the  Athenians, 
but  only  had  the  image  of  Cupide  in  it,  holding  lightning  in 
his  hande.  The  noble  men,  and  best  cittizens  of  Athens  per- 
ceyving  this,  they  hated  his  facions  and  conditions,  and  were 
muche  offended  at  him,  and  wrere  afeard  withall  of  his  rashnes 
and  insolencie : he  dyd  so  contemne  the  lawes  and  customes 
of  their  countrie,  being  manifest  tokens  of  a man  that  aspired 
to  be  King,  and  would  subvert  and  turne  all  over  hand.  And 
as  for  the  good  will  of  the  common  people  towards  him,  the 
poet  Aristophanes  doth  plainely  expresse  it  in  these  wordes : 

The  people  most  desire,  what  most  they  hate  to  have  : 

and  what  their  minde  abhorres,  even  that  they  seeme  to  crave. 

And  in  another  place  he  sayed  also,  aggravating  the  suspi- 
tion  they  had  of  him  : 

For  state  or  common  weale,  muche  better  should  it  be, 
to  keepe  within  the  countrie  none  suche  lyons  lookes  as  he. 

But  if  they  nedes  will  keepe,  a lyon  to  their  cost, 
then  must  they  nedes  obeye  his  will,  for  he  will  rule  the  roste. 

For  to  saye  truely : his  curtesies,  his  liberalises,  and 
noble  expences  to  shewe  the  people  so  great  pleasure  and 
pastime  as  nothing  could  be  more  : the  glorious  memorie  of 
his  auncesters,  the  grace  of  his  eloquence,  the  beawtie  of  his 
persone,  the  strength  and  valliantnes  of  his  bodie,  joyned 
together  with  his  wisedome  and  experience  in  marshall 

106 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


affayers : were  the  very  causes  that  made  them  to  beare  with 
him  in  all  things,  and  that  the  Athenians  dyd  paciently  endure 
all  his  light  partes,  and  dyd  cover  his  faultes,  with  the  best 
wordes  and  termes  they  could,  calling  them  youthfull,  and 
gentlemens  sportes.  As  when  he  kept  Agartharchus  the 
painter  prisoner  in  his  house  by  force,  untill  he  had  painted 
all  his  walles  within  : and  when  he  had  done,  dyd  let  him 
goe,  and  rewarded  him  very  honestly  for  his  paines.  Againe 
when  he  gave  a boxe  of  the  eare  to  Taureas,  who  dyd  paye 
the  whole  charges  of  a companie  of  common  players,  in  spite 
of  him,  to  carie  awaye  the  honour  of  the  games.  Also  when 
he  tooke  awaye  a young  woman  of  Melia  by  his  authoritie, 
that  was  taken  among  certaine  prisoners  in  the  warres,  and 
kept  her  for  his  concubine  : by  whom  he  had  a childe,  which 
he  caused  to  be  brought  up.  Which  they  called  a worke 
of  charitie,  albeit  afterwards  they  burdened  him,  that  he 
was  the  only  cause  of  murdering  of  the  poore  Melians, 
saving  the  litle  children,  bicause  he  had  favored  and  per- 
suaded that  unnaturall  and  wicked  decree,  which  another 
had  propounded.  Likewise  where  one  Aristophon  a painter, 
had  painted  a curtisan  named  Nemea,  holding  Alcibiades  in 
her  armes,  and  sitting  in  her  lappe,  which  all  the  people 
ranne  to  see,  and  tooke  great  pleasure  to  behold  it:  the 
grave  and  auncient  men,  were  angrie  at  these  foolishe  partes, 
accompting  them  impudent  things,  and  done  against  all  civill 
modestie  and  temperancie.  Wherefore  it  seemed  Archestratus 
words  were  spoken  to  good  purpose,  when  he  sayed,  that 
Greece  could  not  abide  two  Alcibiades  at  once.  And  on  a 
daye  as  he  came  from  the  counsaill  and  assembly  of  the  cittie, 
where  he  had  made  an  excellent  oration,  to  the  great  good 
liking  and  acceptation  of  all  the  hearers,  and  by  meanes  there- 
of had  obteined  the  thing  he  desired,  and  was  accompanied 
with  a great  traine  that  followed  him  to  his  honour : Timon, 
surnamed  Misanthropus  (as  who  would  saye,  Loup-garou, 
or  the  manhater)  meeting  Alcibiades  thus  accompanied,  dyd 
not  passe  by  him,  nor  gave  him  waye  (as  he  was  wont  to  doe 
to  all  other  men)  but  went  straight  to  him,  and  tooke  him 
by  the  hande,  and  sayed : O,  thou  dost  well  my  sonne,  I can 
thee  thancke,  that  thou  goest  on,  and  climest  up  still : for  if 

107 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 
dishonestie 
and  wanton- 
nes. 


Archestratus 

saying. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades  the 
author  of  the 
warres  in 
Sicilia. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

ever  thou  be  in  authoritie,  woe  be  unto  those  that  followe 
thee,  for  they  are  utterly  undone.  When  they  had  heard 
these  wordes,  those  that  stoode  by  fell  a laughing : other 
reviled  Timon,  other  againe  marked  well  his  wordes,  and 
thought  of  them  many  a time  after,  suche  sundry  opinions 
they  had  of  him  for  the  unconstancie  of  his  life,  and  way- 
wardnes  of  his  nature  and  conditions.  Now  for  the  taking 
of  Sicile,  the  Athenians  dyd  marvelosly  covet  it  in  Pericles 
life,  but  yet  they  dyd  not  medle  withall,  untill  after  his 
death : and  then  they  dyd  it  at  the  first  under  culler  of 
friendshippe,  as  ayding  those  citties  which  were  oppressed, 
and  spoyled  by  the  Syracusans.  This  was  in  manner  a 
plaine  bridge  made,  to  passe  afterwardes  a greater  power  and 
armie  thither.  Howbeit  the  only  procurer  of  the  Athenians, 
and  persuader  of  them,  to  send  small  companies  thither  no 
more,  but  to  enter  with  a great  armie  at  once  to  con- 
quer all  the  countrie  together,  was  Alcibiades  : who  had  so 
allured  the  people  with  his  pleasaunt  tongue,  that  upon  his 
persuasion,  they  built  castells  in  the  ayer,  and  thought  to 
doe  greater  wonders,  by  winning  only  of  Sicilia.  For  where 
other  dyd  set  their  mindes  apon  the  conquest  of  Sicile,  being 
that  they  only  hoped  after  : it  was  to  Alcibiades,  but  a be- 
ginning of  further  enterprises.  And  where  Nicias  commonly 
in  all  his  persuasions,  dyd  turne  the  Athenians  from  their 
purpose  to  make  warres  against  the  Syracusans,  as  being 
to  great  a matter  for  them  to  take  the  cittie  of  Syracusa : 
Alcibiades  againe  had  a further  reache  in  his  head,  to  goe 
conquer  Libya,  and  Carthage,  and  that  being  conquered,  to 
passe  from  thence  into  Italie,  and  so  to  Peloponnesus : so 
that  Sicilia  should  serve  but  to  furnishe  them  with  vittells, 
and  to  paye  the  souldiers  for  their  conquestes  which  he  had 
imagined.  Thus  the  young  men  were  incontinently  caried 
awaye  with  a marvelous  hope  and  opinion  of  this  jorney,  and 
gave  good  eare  to  olde  mens  tales  that  tolde  them  wonders 
of  the  countries  : insomuche  as  there  was  no  other  pastime 
nor  exercise  among  the  youth  in  their  meetings,  but  com- 
panies of  men  to  set  rounde  together,  drawe  plattes  of 
Sicile,  and  describe  the  situation  of  Libya  and  Carthage. 
And  yet  they  saye,  that  neither  Socrates  the  philosopher, 
108 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

nor  Meton  the  astronomer  dyd  ever  hope  to  see  any  good  ALCIBIA- 
successe  of  this  jorney.  For  the  one  by  the  revealing  of  EES 
his  familliar  spirite,  who  tolde  him  all  things  to  come,  as  was  The  divina- 
thought,  had  no  great  opinion  of  it : and  Meton,  whether  and” 

it  was  for  the  feare  of  the  successe  of  the  jorney  he  had  by  Meton 
reason,  or  that  he  knew  by  divination  of  his  arte  what  would 
followe,  he  counterfeated  the  mad  man,  and  holding  a burn- 
ing torche  in  his  hand,  made  as  though  he  would  have  set 
his  house  a fyer.  Other  saye,  that  he  dyd  not  counter- 
feate,  but  like  a mad  man  in  deede  dyd  set  his  house  a fyre 
one  night,  and  that  the  next  morning  betimes  he  went  into 
the  market  place  to  praye  the  people,  that  in  consideration 
of  his  great  losse  and  his  grievous  calamitie  so  late  happened 
him,  it  would  please  them  to  discharge  his  sonne  for  going 
this  voyage.  So  by  this  mad  devise,  he  obteined  his  re- 
quest of  the  people  for  his  sonne,  whom  he  abused  much. 

But  Nicias  against  his  will  was  chosen  captaine,  to  take 
charge  of  men  in  these  warres : who  misliked  this  jorney, 
aswell  for  his  companion  and  associate  in  the  charge  of  these 
warres,  as  for  other  misfortunes  he  foresawe  therein.  How- 
beit  the  Athenians  thought  the  warre  would  fall  out  well,  if 
they  dyd  not  commit  it  wholy  to  Alcibiades  rashnes  and 
hardines,  but  dyd  joyne  with  him  the  wisedome  of  Nicias  : 
and  appointed  Lamachus  also  for  their  third  captaine,  whom 
they  sent  thither,  though  he  were  waxen  now  somewhat  olde, 
as  one  that  had  shewed  him  selfe  no  lesse  venturous  and 
hardie  in  some  battells,  then  Alcibiades  him  selfe.  Now 
when  they  came  to  resolve  of  the  number  of  souldiers,  the 
furniture  and  order  of  these  warres,  Nicias  sought  crookedly 
to  thwart  this  jorney,  and  to  breake  it  of  altogether:  but 
Alcibiades  withstoode  him,  and  gate  the  better  hande  of 
him.  There  was  an  orator  called  Demostratus,  who  moved 
the  people  also  that  the  captaines  whom  they  had  chosen 
for  these  warres,  might  have  full  power  and  authoritie  to 
leavy  men  at  their  discretion,  and  to  make  suche  preparation 
as  they  thought  good  : whereunto  the  people  condescended, 
and  dyd  authorise  them.  But  when  they  were  even  readie 
to  goe  their  waye,  many  signes  of  ill  successe  lighted  in  the 
necke  one  of  another : and  amongest  the  rest  this  was  one. 

109 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

ALCIBIA-  That  they  were  commaunded  to  take  shippe,  on  the  daye  of 
DBS  the  celebration  of  the  feast  of  Adonia,  on  the  which  the 
custome  is,  that  women  doe  set  up  in  divers  places  of  the 
cittie,  in  the  middest  of  the  streates,  images,  like  to  dead 
corses  which  they  carie  to  buriall,  and  they  represent  the 
mourning  and  lamentations  made  at  the  funeralles  of  the 
dead,  with  blubbering,  and  beating  them  selves,  in  token  of 
the  sorowe  the  goddesse  Venus  made,  for  the  death  of  her 
friend  Adonis.  Moreover,  the  Hermes  (which  are  the  images 
of  Mercurie,  and  were  wont  to  be  set  up  in  every  lane  and 
Images  hewen  streete)  were  found  in  a night  all  hacked  and  hewed,  and 
and  mangled  mangled  specially  in  their  faces  : but  this  put  divers  in  great 
at  Athens.  feare  and  trouble,  yea  even  those  that  made  no  accompt  of 
suche  toyes.  Whereupon  it  was  alledged  that  it  might  be 
the  Corinthians  that  dyd  it,  or  procured  that  lewde  acte  to  be 
done,  favoring  the  Syracusans,  who  were  their  neere  kynse- 
men,  and  had  bene  the  first  fownders  of  them,  imagining 
upon  this  ill  token,  it  might  be  a cause  to  breake  of  the 
enterprise,  and  to  make  the  people  repent  them,  that  they 
had  taken  this  warre  in  hande.  Nevertheles,  the  people  would 
not  allow  this  excuse,  neither  hearken  to  their  wordes  that 
sayed,  they  should  not  reckon  of  any  such  signes  or  tokens,  and 
that  they  were  but  some  light  brained  youthes,  that  being 
tippled,  had  played  this  shamefull  parte  in  their  braverie  or 
for  sporte.  But  for  all  these  reasons,  they  tooke  these  signes 
very  grevously,  and  were  in  deede  not  a litle  afeard,  as  think- 
ing undoutedly  that  no  man  durst  have  bene  so  bolde  to 
have  done  suche  an  abhominable  facte,  but  that  there  was 
some  conspiracie  in  the  matter.  Hereupon,  they  looked 
apon  every  suspition  and  conjecture  that  might  be  (how 
litle  or  unlikely  soever  it  were)  and  that  very  severely : 
and  both  Senate  and  people  also  met  in  counsell  upon  it, 
very  ofte,  and  in  a fewe  dayes.  Now  whilest  they  were 
busilie  searching  out  the  matter,  Androcles  a common 
counseller,  and  orator  in  the  common  wealth,  brought  before 
the  counsell  certaine  slaves  and  straungers  that  dwelt  in 
Athens : who  deposed  that  Alcibiades,  and  other  of  his 
friends  and  companions,  had  hacked  and  mangled  other 
images  after  that  sorte,  and  in  a mockerie  had  counter- 
110 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

feated  also  in  a banket  that  he  made,  the  ceremonies  of  the 
holy  mysteries,  declaring  these  matters  particularly.  How 
one  Theodorus  counterfeated  the  herauld,  that  is  wonte  to 
make  the  proclamations : Polytion  the  torche  bearer,  and 
Alcibiades  the  priest,  who  sheweth  the  holy  signes  and 
mysteries : and  that  his  other  companions  were  the  assist- 
antes,  as  those  that  make  sute  to  be  receyved  into  their 
religion  and  order,  and  into  the  brotherhood  of  their  holy 
mysteries,  whom  for  this  cause  they  call  Mystes.  These  very 
wordes  are  written  in  the  accusation  Thessalus  (Cimons  sonne) 
made  against  Alcibiades,  charging  him  that  he  had  wickedly 
mocked  the  two  goddesses,  Ceres,  and  Proserpina.  Whereat 
the  people  being  marvelously  moved  and  offended,  and  the 
orator  Androcles  his  mortall  enemie  aggravating  and  stir- 
ring them  up  the  more  against  him : Alcibiades  a litle  at 
the  first  beganne  to  be  amased  at  it.  But  afterwards,  hear- 
ing that  the  mariners  which  were  prepared  for  the  voyage 
of  Sicilia,  and  the  souldiers  also  that  were  gathered,  dyd 
beare  him  great  good  will,  and  specially  how  the  ayde,  and 
that  bande  that  came  from  Argos,  and  Mantinea  (being  a 
thousand  footemen,  well  armed  and  appointed)  dyd  saye 
openly,  how  it  was  for  Alcibiades  sake  they  dyd  take  upon 
them  so  long  a voyage  beyond  sea,  and  that  if  they  went 
about  to  doe  him  any  hurte  or  wrong,  they  would  presently 
returne  home  againe  from  whence  they  came : he  beganne 
to  be  of  a good  corage  againe,  and  determined  with  this 
good  favorable  oportunitie  of  time,  to  come  before  the 
counsell,  to  aunswer  to  all  suche  articles  and  accusations  as 
should  be  layed  against  him.  Thereupon  his  enemies  were 
a litle  cooled,  fearing  least  the  people  in  this  judgement 
would  have  shewed  him  more  favour,  bicause  they  stoode  in 
nede  of  him.  Wherefore  to  prevent  this  daunger,  they  had 
fed  other  Oratours  who  set  a good  face  on  the  matter,  as 
they  had  bene  Alcibiades  friends,  and  yet  bare  him  no  lesse 
good  will,  then  the  ranckest  enemies  he  had.  These  fine 
fellowes  rose  up  in  open  assembly,  and  sayed : it  was  no 
reason,  that  he  that  was  now  chosen  one  of  the  generalles 
of  so  miffhtie 
the 


sayle  and 


and  puissant  an  armie  (being  ready  to  hoyse 
ayde  also  of  their  allies  and  friendes)  should 

111 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 

Alcibiades 
accused  for 
prophaning 
the  holy 
mysteries. 


The  crafte  of 

Alcibiades 

enemies. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 
jorney  into 
Sicile. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

be  driven  to  staye  now,  and  to  lose  time  and  occasion  of 
well  doing,  whilest  they  should  goe  about  to  choose  judges, 
and  appointe  him  his  howres  and  time  of  aunswer.  There- 
fore, they  sayed,  it  was  fit  he  should  take  his  jorney  betimes, 
and  when  warres  were  done,  that  he  should  present  him  selfe 
to  requier  justice,  and  to  purge  him  selfe  of  suche  matters 
as  should  be  objected  against  him.  But  Alcibiades  smelling 
streight  their  fetche,  and  perceyving  the  practise,  of  his  staye, 
stept  up,  and  declared  how  they  dyd  him  great  wrong,  to 
make  him  departe  with  the  charge  of  a generall  of  so  great 
an  armie,  his  minde  being  troubled  with  continuall  feare  of 
so  grievous  curses,  as  he  should  leave  apon  him : and  that 
he  deserved  death,  if  he  could  not  purge  and  justifie  him 
selfe,  of  all  the  unjust  and  surmised  accusations  against  him. 
And  if  he  had  once  clered  him  selfe  of  all  thinges,  and  had 
published  his  innocencie:  he  should  then  have  nothing  in 
his  head  to  trouble  him,  nor  to  thinke  upon,  but  to  goe  on 
lustely  to  fight  with  his  enemies,  and  to  cast  behinde  him 
the  daunger  of  all  his  slaunderous  detracters.  But  all  this 
could  not  persuade  them.  And  so  he  was  presently  com- 
maunded  in  the  behalfe  of  the  people,  to  imbarke,  and  shippe 
awaye  his  men.  Thus  he  was  compelled  to  take  the  seas 
with  his  other  companions,  having  in  their  navie  about  a 
hundred  and  forty  gallyes,  all  having  three  owers  to  a 
bancke : and  five  thousand  one  hundred  footemen  very  well 
armed  and  appointed,  and  throwers  with  slinges,  archers,  and 
other  light  armed  men  to  the  number  of  thirteene  hundred, 
sufficiently  furnished  of  all  warlicke  and  necessarie  munition. 
Now  after  they  were  arrived  on  the  coaste  of  Italie,  they 
landed  in  the  cittie  of  Rhegio:  where,  holding  counsell  in 
what  sorte  they  should  direct  these  warres,  it  was  resolved 
in  the  ende  that  they  should  goe  straight  unto  Sicilia.  This 
opinion  was  followed,  although  Nicias  dyd  contrarie  it,  when 
Lamachus  gave  his  consent  thereunto : and  at  his  first  com- 
ming,  he  was  the  occasion  of  winning  the  cittie  of  Catana. 
But  he  never  after  dyd  any  exployte,  for  he  was  called  home 
immediatly  by  the  Athenians,  to  come  and  aunswer  certaine 
accusations  layed  to  his  charge.  For  as  we  tolde  you  before, 
there  was  at  the  beginning,  certaine  light  suspitions  and  ac- 
112 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

cusations  put  up  against  him,  by  some  slaves  and  straungers. 
But  afterwards  when  he  was  gone,  his  enemies  enforced  them, 
and  burdened  him  more  cruelly,  adding  to  his  former  faulte, 
that  he  had  broken  the  images  of  Mercurie : and  had  com- 
mitted sacriledge  in  counterfeating  in  jeast  and  mockery  the 
holy  ceremonies  of  the  mysteries  : and  blue  into  the  eares  of 
the  people,  that  both  the  one  and  the  other  proceeded  of 
one  set  conspiracie,  to  chaunge  and  alter  the  government 
of  the  state  of  the  cittie.  Upon  these  informations,  the 
people  tooke  it  in  so  ill  parte,  that  they  committed  all 
to  prisone,  that  were  in  any  sorte  accused  or  suspected 
thereof,  and  would  never  let  them  come  to  their  aunswer: 
and  moreover  dyd  much  repent  them  that  they  had  not 
condemned  Alcibiades,  upon  so  great  complaintes  and  in- 
formations as  were  exhibited  against  him,  while  his  offense 
was  in  question  before  them.  And  the  furie  and  hatred  of 
the  people  was  such  towards  him,  that  if  any  of  Alcibiades 
friends  and  acquaintance  came  within  their  daunger,  they 
were  the  worse  handled  for  his  sake.  Thucydides  dyd  not 
name  his  accusers,  but  some  other  doe  name  Dioclides  and 
Teucer:  amongest  whom,  Phrynicus  the  Comicall  poet  is 
one,  who  discovereth  it  in  his  verses,  by  bringing  in  one 
that  speaketh  thus  to  the  image  of  Mercury : 

My  good  friend  Mercury,  I praye  thee  take  good  heede, 
that  thou  fall  not,  and  breake  thy  necke  : for  so  thou  mightst 
me  breede, 

both  daunger  and  distrust,  and  though  I giltles  be, 
some  Dioclides  falsely  might  accuse  and  trouble  me. 

Mercury  aunswereth : 

Take  thou  no  thought  for  me,  my  selfe  I shall  well  save  : 

and  will  foresee  full  well  therewith  that  Teucer  (that  false 
knave) 

shall  not  the  money  get,  which  he  by  lawe  hath  wonne, 
for  his  promowters  bribing  parte,  and  accusation. 

And  yet  for  all  this,  these  tokens  doe  showe  no  certaintie 
of  any  thing.  For  one  of  them  being  asked,  howe  he  could 
knowe  them  by  their  faces  in  the  night,  that  had  broken 
and  defaced  these  images?  he  aunswered,  that  he  knewe 
them  well  enough  bv  the  brightnes  of  the  moone.  And 
2 : P * 113 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Phrynicus 
the  Comicall 
poet. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

ALCIBIA-  hereby  it  appeareth  playnely  that  he  was  perjured,  bicause 
DES  that  the  same  night,  on  the  which  this  fact  was  committed, 
there  was  a conjunction  of  the  moone.  This  dyd  a litle 
trouble  and  staye  men  of  judgement:  howbeit  the  common 
sorte  of  people  this  notwithstanding,  dyd  not  leave  to  be 
as  sharpe  set,  to  receyve  all  accusations  and  informations, 
that  were  brought  in  against  him,  as  ever  they  were  be- 
fore. Now  there  was  among  the  prisoners  whose  cause  was 
hanging  before  them,  the  orator  Andocides  (whom  Hellanicus 
Andocidesthe  the  historiographer  describeth  to  descend  of  the  race  of 
orator  cast  Ulysses)  whom  they  tooke  to  be  a man  that  hated  the 

into  prison,  government  of  the  common  people,  and  bent  altogether 
to  favour  the  small  number  of  the  nobilitie.  But  one  of 
the  chiefest  occasions  why  he  was  subjected  to  be  one  of 
them  that  had  broken  the  images,  was : for  that  hard  by 
his  house  there  was  a fayer  great  image  set  up  in  olde 
time,  by  the  familie  or  tribe  of  the  iEgeides,  and  that 
alone  amongest  all  the  rest  of  so  many  famous  images, 
was  lefte  whole  and  unbroken:  whereupon  it  is  called  at 
this  daye,  the  Mercury  of  Andocides,  and  is  so  called  gener- 
ally of  every  bodye,  albeit  the  inscription  sheweth  the  con- 
trarie.  Andocides  being  in  prisone,  chaunced  to  fall  in 
acquaintaunce  with  one  Timseus,  with  whom  he  was  more 
familliar  then  with  all  the  rest,  who  was  also  prisoner 
with  him  for  the  self  cause.  This  Timaeus  was  a man  not 
so  well  knowen  as  he,  but  besides,  a wise  man,  and  very 
hardie.  He  persuaded  him,  and  put  into  his  head,  that 
he  should  accuse  him  selfe,  and  certaine  other  with  him  : 
for  taking  the  matter  upon  him,  and  confessing  it,  he 
should  receyve  grace  and  pardone,  according  to  the  course 
and  promise  of  the  lawe.  Where  contrarilie,  if  he  should 
stande  upon  the  curtesie  of  the  judges  sentence,  he  might 
easely  endaunger  him  self : bicause  j udgements  in  such  cases 
are  uncertaine  to  all  people,  and  most  to  be  doubted  and 
feared  toward  the  riche.  And  therefore  he  told  him  it  were 
his  best  waye,  if  he  looked  into  the  matter  wisely,  by  lying 
to  save  his  life,  rather  then  to  suffer  death  with  shame,  and 
to  be  condemned  upon  this  false  accusation.  Also  he  sayed 
if  he  would  have  regarde  to  the  common  wealth,  that  it 
114 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

should  in  like  case  be  wisely  done  of  him,  to  put  in  daunger 
a fewe  of  those  (which  stood  doubtfull  whether  in  trothe 
they  were  any  of  them  or  not)  to  save  from  the  furie  of 
the  people,  and  terrour  of  death,  many  honest  men,  who 
in  deede  were  innocent  of  this  lewde  fact.  Timaeus  wordes 
and  persuasions  wrought  such  effect  with  Andocides,  that 
they  made  him  yeld  unto  them,  and  brought  him  to  accuse 
him  selfe,  and  certaine  other  with  him : by  meanes  whereof 
Alcibiades  according  to  the  lawe  had  his  pardone.  But  all 
suche  as  he  named  and  accused,  were  every  man  put  to 
death,  saving  suche  as  saved  them  selves  by  ronning  awaye. 
Furthermore,  to  shadowe  his  accusation  with  some  appar- 
aunce  of  trothe,  Andocides  among  those  that  were  accused, 
dyd  accuse  also  certen  of  his  owne  servaunts.  Now  though 
the  people  had  no  more  occasion  to  occupie  their  busie 
heades  about  the  breakers  of  these  images,  yet  was  not  their 
malice  thus  appeased  against  Alcibiades,  untill  they  sent  the 
galley  called  Salaminiana,  commaunding  those  they  sent  by 
a speciall  commission  to  seeke  him  out,  in  no  case  to  attempt 
to  take  him  by  force,  nor  to  laye  holde  on  him  by  violence  : 
but  to  use  him  with  all  the  good  wordes  and  curteous 
manner  that  they  possibly  could,  and  to  will  him  only  to 
appeare  in  persone  before  the  people,  to  aunswer  to  certaine 
accusations  put  up  against  him.  If  otherwise  they  should 
have  used  force,  they  feared  muche  least  the  armie  would 
have  mutined  on  his  behalfe  within  the  countrie  of  their 
enemies,  and  that  there  would  have  growen  some  sedition 
amongest  their  souldiers.  This  might  Alcibiades  have  easely 
done,  if  he  had  bene  disposed.  For  the  souldiers  were  very 
sorie  to  see  him  departe,  perceyving  that  the  warres  should 
be  drawen  out  now  in  length,  and  be  much  prolonged  under 
Nicias,  seeing  Alcibiades  was  taken  from  them,  who  was  the 
only  spurre  that  pricked  Nicias  forward  to  doe  any  service : 
and  that  Lamachus  also,  though  he  were  a valliant  man  of 
his  handes,  yet  he  lacked  honour  and  authoritie  in  the  armie, 
bicause  he  was  but  a meane  man  borne,  and  poore  besides. 
Now  Alcibiades  for  a farewell,  disapointed  the  Athenians 
of  winning  the  cittie  of  Messina : for  they  having  intelli- 
gence by  certaine  private  persones  within  the  cittie,  that  it 

115 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 
sent  for  to 
aunswer  to  his 
accusation. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 

accusation. 


Alcibiades 
condemned 
being  absent. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

would  yeld  up  into  their  handes,  Alcibiades  knowing  them 
very  well  by  their  names,  bewrayed  them  unto  those  that 
were  the  Syracusans  friendes : whereupon  all  this  practise 
was  broken  utterly.  Afterwards  when  he  came  to  the  cittie 
of  Thuries,  so  sone  as  he  had  landed,  he  went  and  hid  him 
selfe  incontinently  in  suche  sorte,  that  such  as  sought  for  him, 
could  not  finde  him.  Yet  there  was  one  that  knewe  him 
where  he  was,  and  sayed : Why,  how  now  Alcibiades,  darest 
thou  not  trust  the  justice  of  thy  countrie?  Yes  very  well 
(quoth  he)  and  it  were  in  another  matter  : but  my  life  stand- 
ing upon  it,  I would  not  trust  mine  own  mother,  fearing 
least  negligently  she  should  put  in  the  blacke  beane,  where 
she  should  cast  in  the  white.  For  by  the  first,  condemna- 
tion of  death  was  signified : and  by  the  other,  pardone  of 
life.  But  afterwards,  hearing  that  the  Athenians  for  malice 
had  condemned  him  to  death : Well,  quoth  he,  they  shall 
knowe  I am  yet  alive.  Now  the  manner  of  his  accusation 
and  inditement  framed  against  him,  was  found  written  in 
this  sorte : Thessalus  the  sonne  of  Cimon,  of  the  village  of 
Laciades,  hath  accused,  and  doth  accuse  Alcibiades,  the 
sonne  of  Clinias,  of  the  village  of  Scambonides,  to  have 
offended  against  the  goddesses,  Ceres  and  Proserpina,  coun- 
terfeating  in  mockery  their  holy  mysteries,  and  shewing 
them  to  his  familliar  friends  in  his  house,  him  selfe  appar- 
relled  and  arrayed  in  a long  vestement  or  cope,  like  unto  the 
vestement  the  priest  weareth  when  he  sheweth  these  holy 
sacred  mysteries : and  naming  him  selfe  the  priest,  Polytion 
the  torche  bearer,  and  Theodorus  of  the  village  of  Phygea 
the  verger,  and  the  other  lookers  on,  brethern,  and  fellowe 
scomers  with  them,  and  all  done  in  manifest  contempt  and 
derision,  of  holy  ceremonies  and  mysteries  of  the  Eumolpides, 
the  religious  priests  and  ministers  of  the  sacred  temple  of 
the  cittie  of  Eleusin.  So  Alcibiades  for  his  contempt  and 
not  appearing,  was  condemned,  and  his  goodes  confiscate. 
Besides  this  condemnation,  they  decreed  also,  that  all  the 
religious  piiestes  and  women  should  banne  and  accurse  him. 
But  hereunto  aunswered,  one  of  the  Nunnes  called  Theano, 
the  daughter  of  Menon,  of  the  village  of  Agraula,  saying : 
that  she  was  professed  religious,  to  praye  and  to  blesse,  not 
116 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

to  curse  and  banne.  After  this  most  grievous  sentence  and 
condemnation  passed  against  him,  Alcibiades  departed  out 
of  the  cittie  of  Thuries,  and  went  into  the  countrie  of  Pelo- 
ponnesus, where  he  continued  a good  season  in  the  cittie  of 
Argos.  But  in  the  ende  fearing  his  enemies,  and  having  no 
hope  to  returne  againe  to  his  owne  countrie  with  any  safety : 
he  sent  unto  Sparta  to  have  safe  conduct  and  licence  of  the 
Lacedaemonians,  that  he  might  come  and  dwell  in  their 
countrie,  promising  them  he  would  doe  them  more  good 
being  now  their  friend,  then  he  ever  dyd  them  hurte,  while 
he  was  their  enemie.  The  Lacedaemonians  graunted  his 
request,  and  recey  ved  him  very  willingly  into  their  cittie : 
where  even  upon  his  first  comming,  he  dyd  three  things. 
The  first  was : That  the  Lacedaemonians  by  his  persuasion 
and  procurement,  dyd  determine  speedily  to  send  ayde  to 
the  Syracusans,  whom  they  had  long  before  delayed : and 
so  they  sent  Gylippus  their  captaine,  to  overthrowe  the 
Athenians  armie,  which  they  had  sent  thither.  The  second 
thing  he  did  for  them,  was : That  he  made  them  of  Greece 
to  beginne  warre  apon  the  Athenians.  The  third,  and 
greatest  matter  of  importance,  was : That  he  dyd  counsell 
them  to  fortifie  the  cittie  of  Decelea,  which  was  within  the 
territories  of  Attica  selfe:  which  consumed,  and  brought 
the  power  of  the  Athenians  lower,  then  any  other  thing 
whatsoever  he  could  have  done.  And  if  he  were  welcome, 
and  well  esteemed  in  Sparta,  for  the  service  he  dyd  to  the 
common  wealth : muche  more  he  wanne  the  love  and  good 
willes  of  private  men,  for  that  he  lived  after  the  Laconian 
manner.  So  as  they  that  sawe  his  skinne  scraped  to  the 
fleshe,  and  sawe  him  washe  him  selfe  in  cold  water,  and 
howe  he  dyd  eate  browne  bread,  and  suppe  of  their  blacke 
brothe : would  have  doubted  (or  to  saye  better,  never  have 
beleeved)  that  suche  a man  had  ever  kept  cooke  in  his  house, 
nor  that  he  ever  had  seene  so  muche  as  a perfuming  panne, 
or  had  touched  clothe  of  tissue  made  at  Miletum.  For 
among  other  qualities  and  properties  he  had  (wherof  he  was 
full)  this  as  they  saye  was  one,  whereby  he  most  robbed  mens 
hartes : that  he  could  frame  altogether  with  their  manners 
and  facions  of  life,  transforming  him  selfe  more  easely  to  all 

117 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 
flyeth  to 
Sparta. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 

Alcibiades 

more 

chaungeable 
then  the 
camelion. 


Alcibiades 
got  Timaea, 
kingAgis  wife 
with  childe. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

manner  of  shapes,  then  the  Camelion.  For  it  is  reported, 
that  the  Camelion  cannot  take  white  culler : but  Alcibiades 
could  put  apon  him  any  manners,  customes  or  facions,  of 
what  nation  soever,  and  could  followe,  exercise,  and  counter- 
feate  them  when  he  would,  aswell  the  good  as  the  bad.  For 
in  Sparta,  he  was  very  paynefull,  and  in  continuall  exercise : 
he  lived  sparingly  with  litle,  and  led  a straight  life.  In 
Ionia,  to  the  contrary  : there  he  lived  daintely  and  super- 
fluously, and  gave  him  self  to  all  mirthe  and  pleasure.  In 
Thracia,  he  dranke  ever,  or  was  allwayes  a horse  backe.  If 
he  came  to  Tissaphernes,  lieutenaunt  of  the  mightie  king 
of  Persia : he  farre  exceeded  the  magnificence  of  Persia  in 
pompe  and  sumptuousnes.  And  these  things  notwithstand- 
ing, never  altered  his  naturall  condition  from  one  facion  to 
another,  neither  dyd  his  manners  (to  saye  truely)  receyve  all 
sortes  of  chaunges.  But  bicause  peradventure,  if  he  had 
shewed  his  naturall  disposition,  he  might  in  divers  places 
where  he  came,  have  offended  those  whose  companie  he  kept, 
he  dyd  with  such  a viser  and  cloke  disguise  him  selfe,  to  fit 
their  manners,  whom  he  companied  with,  by  transforming  him 
selfe  into  their  naturall  countenaunce.  As  he  that  had  seene 
him  when  he  was  at  Sparta,  to  have  looked  apon  the  outward 
man,  would  have  sayed  as  the  common  proverbe  sayeth  : 

It  is  not  the  sonne  of  Achilles,  but  Achilles  selfe  : 

Even  so  it  is  even  he,  whom  Lycurgus  brought  up.  But 
he  that  had  inwardly  seene  his  naturall  doings,  and  good 
will  in  deede  lye  naked  before  him : would  have  sayed  con- 
trarilie,  as  they  saye  commonly  in  another  language  : 

This  woman  is  no  chaungeling. 

For  he  entertained  Queene  Timaea,  King  Agis  wife  of 
Sparta,  so  well  in  his  absence,  he  being  abroade  in  the 
warres : that  he  got  her  with  childe,  and  she  her  selfe  denied 
it  not.  For  she  being  brought  a bed  of  a sonne,  who  was 
named  Leotychides,  openly  to  the  world  called  him  by  that 
name : but  when  she  was  amongest  her  familliars  and  very 
friends,  she  called  him  sofetly  Alcibiades,  she  was  so  farre  in  love 
with  him.  And  Alcibiades  j easting  out  the  matter,  sayed  he 
had  done  it  for  no  hurte,  nor  for  any  lust  of  fleshe  to  satisfie 

118 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


his  desire  : but  only  to  leave  of  his  race?  to  reigne  amongest 
the  Lacedaemonians.  This  matter  was  brought  by  divers  unto 
king  Agis  eares,  who  at  the  length  beleeved  it : but  specially 
when  he  beganne  to  make  a reckoning  of  the  time,  how  long 
it  was  sence  he  laye  with  his  wife.  For  lying  with  his  wife 
one  night  when  there  was  a terrible  earthquake,  he  ranne  out 
of  his  chamber  for  feare  the  house  would  fall  on  his  head  : 
so  that  it  was  tenne  moneths  after  ere  he  laye  again  with  her. 
Whereupon,  her  sonne  Leotychides  being  borne  at  the  ende  of 
tenne  moneths,  he  sayed  he  was  none  of  his  : and  this  was  the 
cause  that  Leotychides  dyd  not  succede  afterwards  in  the  King- 
dome,  bicause  he  was  not  of  the  bloude  royall.  After  the  utter 
overthrowe  of  the  Athenians  in  Sicilia,  those  of  the  lies  of  Chio 
and  Lesbos,  with  the  Cyzicenians,  dyd  send  all  about  a tenne 
ambassadoursto  Sparta:  to  let  the  Lacedaemonians  understand, 
they  had  good  will  to  leave  the  Athenians,  so  they  would 
send  them  ayde  to  defend  them.  The  Boeotians  favored  those 
of  Lesbos : Pharnabazus,  the  king  of  Persiaes  lieutenaunt, 
favored  the  Cyzicenians.  This  notwithstanding,  the  Lace- 
daemonians were  better  affected  to  helpe  those  of  Chio  first,  by 
the  persuasion  of  Alcibiades,  who  tooke  their  matters  in  hande. 
And  he  tooke  sea  him  self  and  went  into  Asia,  where  he 
almost  turned  the  countrie  of  Ionia  against  the  Athenians : 
and  keeping  allwayes  with  the  generalles  of  the  Lacedae- 
monians, he  dyd  muche  hurte  the  Athenians.  Yet  not- 
withstanding, king  Agis  dyd  beare  him  ill  will,  partely  for 
the  injurie  he  dyd  him  in  dishonoring  and  defiling  his  wife, 
and  partely  also,  for  that  he  envied  his  glorie : bicause  the 
rumour  ranne  about,  that  the  most  parte  of  the  goodly 
exploytes  of  these  warres  dyd  happen  well,  by  Alcibiades 
meanes.  Other  also  of  the  greatest  authoritie  among  the 
Spartans,  that  were  most  ambitious  emong  them,  beganne 
in  their  mindes  to  be  angrie  with  Alcibiades,  for  the  envie 
they  bare  him  : who  were  of  so  great  power,  that  they 
procured  their  governours  to  write  their  letters  to  their 
captaines  in  the  field,  to  kill  him.  Alcibiades  hearing  of 
this,  dyd  no  whit  desist  to  doe  all  he  could  for  the  benefit 
of  the  Lacedaemonians : yet  he  had  an  eye  behind  him, 
flying  all  occasions  to  fall  into  their  handes.  So  in  the 

119 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Leotychides 
Alcibiades 
bastard  e. 


The  Lacede- 
monians prac- 
tise to  kill 
Alcibiades. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 

Alcibiades 
flying  the 
Lacedaemo- 
nians goeth  to 
Tisaphernes. 


Alcibiades 
called  a plea- 
saunt  place 
and  goodly 
prospect. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

ende,  for  more  suerty  of  his  persone,  he  went  unto  Tisa- 
phernes, one  of  the  king  of  Persiaes  lieutenantes,  with 
whom  he  wanne  incontinently  suche  credit,  that  he  was 
the  first  and  chiefest  persone  he  had  about  him.  For  this 
barbarous  man  being  no  simple  persone,  but  rather  mali- 
cious, and  subtill  of  nature,  and  that  loved  fine  and  crafty 
men : dyd  wonder  how  he  could  so  easely  turne  from  one 
manner  of  living  to  another,  and  also  at  his  quicke  witte 
and  understanding.  Moreover,  his  company  and  manner  to 
passe  the  time  awaye,  was  commonly  marvelous  full  of  mirthe 
and  pleasure,  and  he  had  suche  pleasaunt  comely  devises 
with  him,  that  no  man  was  of  so  sullen  a nature,  but  he 
would  make  him  merie,  nor  so  churlishe,  but  he  would  make 
him  gentle.  So  that  both  those  that  feared  him,  and  also 
envied  him  : they  were  yet  glad  to  see  him,  and  it  did  them 
good  to  be  in  his  companie,  and  use  talke  with  him.  In  so 
muche  as  this  Tisaphernes  (that  otherwise  was  a churlishe 
man,  and  naturally  hated  the  Grecians)  dyd  geve  him  selfe 
so  muche  unto  Alcibiades  flatteries,  and  they  pleased  him 
so  well : that  he  him  selfe  dyd  studie  to  flatter  Alcibiades 
againe,  and  make  muche  of  him.  For  he  called  Alcibiades 
his  fayer  house  of  pleasure,  and  goodly  prospect : notwith- 
standing he  had  many  goodly  gardens,  sweete  springes,  grene 
arbours  and  pleasaunt  meadowes,  and  those  in  all  royall  and 
magnificent  manner.  Alcibiades  despairing  utterly  to  finde 
any  safetie  or  friend shippe  emong  the  Spartans,  and  fearing 
on  thother  side  king  Agis  also : he  beganne  to  speake  ill  of 
them,  and  to  disgrace  all  that  they  dyd,  to  Tisaphernes. 
By  this  practise  he  stayed  Tisaphernes  from  ayding  them  so 
friendly  as  he  might : moreover,  he  dyd  not  utterly  destroye 
the  Athenians.  For  he  persuaded  him  that  he  should  fur- 
nishe  the  Lacedaemonians  but  with  litle  money,  to  let  them 
diminishe  and  consume  by  litle  and  litle  : to  the  ende  that 
after  one  had  troubled  and  weakned  the  other,  they  both  at 
the  length  should  be  the  easier  for  the  King  to  overcome. 
This  barbarous  man  dyd  easely  consent  to  this  devise.  All 
the  world  then  sawe  he  loved  Alcibiades,  and  esteemed  of 
him  very  muche  : in  so  muche  as  he  was  sought  to,  and 
regarded  of  all  handes  of  the  Grecians.  Then  were  the 
120 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

Athenians  sorie,  and  repented  them  when  they  had  receyved 
so  great  losse  and  hurte,  for  that  they  had  decreed  so  severely 
against  Alcibiades,  who  in  like  manner  was  very  sorowfull, 
to  see  them  brought  to  so  harde  termes,  fearing,  if  the  cittie 
of  Athens  came  to  destruction,  that  he  him  selfe  should  fall 
in  the  ende  into  the  handes  of  the  Lacedaemonians,  who 
maliced  him  to  the  death.  Now  about  that  time,  all  the 
power  of  the  Athenians  were  almost  in  the  He  of  Samos, 
from  whence  with  their  armie  by  sea,  they  sought  to  sup- 
presse  the  rebelles  that  were  up  against  them,  and  to  keepe 
all  that  which  yet  remained.  For  they  were  yet  pretily 
strong  to  resist  their  enemies,  at  the  least  by  sea : but  they 
stoode  in  great  feare  of  the  power  of  Tisaphernes,  and  of  the 
hundred  and  fiftie  gallyes  which  were  reported  to  be  comming 
out  of  the  countrie  of  Phenicia,  to  the  ayde  of  their  enemies, 
which  if  they  had  come,  the  cittie  of  Athens  had  bene  utterly 
spoyled,  and  for  ever  without  hope  of  recovery.  The  which 
Alcibiades  understanding,  sent  secretly  unto  the  chiefest  men 
that  were  in  the  armie  of  the  Athenians  at  Samos,  to  geve 
them  hope  he  would  make  Tisaphernes  their  friende  : howbeit 
not  of  any  desire  he  had  to  gratifie  the  people,  nor  that  he 
trusted  to  the  communaltie  of  Athens,  but  only  to  the 
honorable,  and  honest  cittizens,  and  that  conditionally  so 
as  they  had  the  harte  and  corage,  to  bridell  a litle  the 
over  licentiousnes  and  insolencie  of  the  common  people, 
and  that  they  would  take  upon  them  the  authoritie  to 
governe,  and  to  redresse  their  state,  and  to  preserve  the 
cittie  of  Athens,  from  finall  and  utter  destruction.  Upon 
this  advertisement,  all  the  heades  and  chief  men  dyd  geve 
very  good  eare  unto  it : saving  only  Phrynichus,  one  of 
the  captaines,  and  of  the  towne  of  Dirades.  Who  mis- 
trusting (that  was  true  in  deede)  that  Alcibiades  cared  not 
which  ende  went  forward,  nor  who  had  the  chief  govern- 
ment of  Athens,  the  nobilitie,  or  the  communaltie,  and  dyd 
but  seeke  all  the  devises  and  wayes  he  could,  to  returne 
againe  if  it  might  be  possible,  in  any  manner  of  sorte,  and 
that  he  dyd  but  currie  favour  with  the  Nobilitie,  blaming 
and  accusing  the  people : he  stoode  altogether  against  the 
motion,  whereupon  Alcibiades  devise  was  not  followed. 
2 : Q 121 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 

The  incon- 
stancie  of 
the  common 
people. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

ALCIBIA-  And  having  now  shewed  him  selfe  open  enemie  to  Alci- 
DES  biades,  he  dyd  secretly  advertise  Astiochus  then  admirall 
to  the  Lacedaemonians,  of  Alcibiades  practise,  and  warned 
him  to  take  heede  of  him,  and  to  laye  him  up  safe,  as  a 
double  dealer,  and  one  that  had  intelligence  with  both 
sides : but  he  understoode  not  how  it  was  but  one  traitour 
to  speake  to  another.  For  this  Astiochus  was  a follower  of 
Tisaphernes  for  his  private  commoditie : and  perceyving 
Alcibiades  in  suche  credit  with  him,  he  dyd  discover  to 
Alcibiades  all  that  Phrynichus  had  advertised  him.  Alci- 
biades straight  sent  men  of  purpose  to  Samos,  unto  the 
captains  there,  to  accuse  Phrynichus  of  the  treason  he  had 
revealed  against  them.  Those  of  the  counsaill  there,  receyv- 
ing  this  intelligence : were  highly  offended  with  Phrynichus. 
So,  he  seeing  no  better  waye  to  save  him  selfe  for  making  of 
this  faulte,  went  about  to  make  amends  with  committing  a 
worse  faulte.  Thereupon  he  sent  againe  to  Astiochus,  com- 
plaining muche  he  had  disclosed  him  : and  yet  nevertheles  he 
promised  him,  if  he  would  keepe  his  counsaill,  that  he  would 
deliver  the  whole  fleete  and  armie  of  the  Athenians  into 
his  handes.  Howbeit  this  treason  of  Phrynichus  dyd  the 
Athenians  no  hurte  at  all,  by  reason  of  Astiochus  counter 
treason : for  he  dyd  let  Alcibiades  againe  understand  what 
offer  Phrynichus  had  made  him.  Phrynichus  looking  to  be 
charged  with  this  againe,  the  second  time  before  the  counsell, 
by  meanes  of  Alcibiades  : dyd  first  advertise  the  chief  of  the 
armie  of  the  Athenians : That  their  enemies  would  come 
and  set  upon  them,  and  where,  and  howe : and  gave  them 
therefore  warning  to  keepe  neere  their  shippes,  to  make  a 
strong  watche,  and  to  fortifie  them  selves  with  all  speede, 
the  which  forthwith  they  dyd.  And  as  they  were  about  it, 
there  came  other  letters  from  Alcibiades,  by  the  which  he 
dyd  warne  them  againe  to  take  heede  of  Phrynichus,  bicause 
he  had  practised  againe  with  their  enemies,  to  deliver  the 
whole  armie  of  Athens  into  their  handes.  But  they  gave  no 
credit  to  his  second  letters  : for  they  thought  that  he  know- 
ing the  preparations  and  mindes  of  the  enemies,  would  serve 
his  own  turne  with  the  false  accusing  of  Phrynichus.  Not- 
withstanding this,  there  was  some  falsehood  in  fellowshippe  : 

122 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

for  one  Hermon,  openly  in  the  market  place,  stabbed  Phry- 
nichus  in  with  a dagger,  and  killed  him.  The  facte  being 
pleaded  in  lawe,  and  throughly  considered  of : the  dead 
bodie  by  the  sentence  of  the  people  was  condemned  for  a 
traitour : and  Hermon  the  murtherer,  and  his  fellowes, 
were  crowned  in  recompence  of  their  facte  they  had  done 
to  kill  a traitour  to  the  common  wealth.  Wherefore 
those  that  were  Alcibiades  friends,  being  at  that  time  the 
stronger,  and  greatest  men  of  the  counsell  in  the  armie 
at  Samos : they  sent  one  Pisander  to  Athens,  to  attempt 
to  alter  the  government,  and  to  encorage  the  noble  men 
to  take  upon  them  the  authoritie,  and  to  plucke  it  from 
the  people  : assuring  them  that  Tisaphernes  would  give  them 
ayde  to  doe  it,  by  meanes  of  Alcibiades,  who  would  make 
him  their  friende.  This  was  the  culler  and  cloke  wherewith 
they  served  their  turnes,  that  dyd  chaunge  the  government 
of  Athens,  and  that  brought  it  into  the  handes  of  a small 
number  of  nobilitie  : for  they  were  in  all  but  foure  hundred, 
and  yet  they  called  them  selves  five  thousand.  But  so  sone 
as  they  felt  them  selves  strong,  and  that  they  had  the  whole 
authoritie  of  government,  without  contradiction  in  their 
handes : they  made  then  no  more  reckoning  of  Alcibiades, 
and  so  they  made  warres  more  coldly  and  slackly  then  before. 
Partely  bicause  they  mistrusted  their  cittizens,  who  founde 
the  chaunge  of  government  very  strange : and  partely  also 
bicause  they  were  of  opinion  that  the  Lacedaemonians  (who 
at  all  times  dyd  most  favour  the  government  of  Nobilitie) 
would  be  better  inclined  to  make  peace  with  them.  Now  the 
common  people  that  remained  still  in  the  cittie,  sturred  not, 
but  were  quiet  against  their  willes,  for  feare  of  daunger, 
bicause  there  were  many  of  them  slaine,  that  boldely  tooke 
apon  them  in  open  presence  to  resist  these  foure  hundred. 
But  those  that  were  in  the  campe,  in  the  He  of  Samos,  hear- 
ing these  newes,  were  so  grievously  offended : that  they  re- 
solved to  returne  incontinently  againe,  unto  the  haven  of 
Piraea.  First  of  all,  they  sent  for  Alcibiades,  whom  they 
chose  their  captaine  : then  they  commaunded  him  straightly 
to  leade  them  against  these  tyrantes,  who  had  usurped  the 
libertie  of  the  people  of  Athens.  But  nevertheles  he  dyd 

123 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 

The  murder 
of  Phrynichus 
and  his  con- 
demnation. 


Alcibiades 
called  home 
from  exile. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Thrasibulus 
a man  of  the 
biggest  voyce 
of  all  the 
Athenians. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

not  therein,  as  another  would  have  done  in  this  case,  seeing 
him  selfe  so  sodainely  crept  againe  in  favour  with  the  common 
people : for  he  dyd  not  thinke  he  should  incontinently  please 
and  gratifie  them  in  all  things,  though  they  had  made  him 
now  their  generall  over  all  their  shippes  and  so  great  an 
armie,  being  before  but  a banished  man,  a vacabond,  and  a 
fugitive.  But  to  the  contrarie,  as  it  became  a generall  worthie 
of  suche  a charge,  he  considered  with  him  selfe,  that  it  was 
his  parte  wisely  to  staye  those,  who  would  in  a rage  and  furie 
carelesly  cast  them  selves  awaye,  and  not  suffer  them  to  doe 
it.  And  truely  Alcibiades  was  the  cause  of  the  preserving  of 
the  cittie  of  Athens  at  that  time,  from  utter  destruction. 
For  if  they  had  sodainly  (according  to  their  determination) 
departed  from  Samos  to  goe  to  Athens : the  enemies  finding 
no  man  to  let  them,  might  easely  have  wonne  all  the  countrie 
of  Ionia,  of  Hellespont,  and  of  all  the  other  lies  without 
stroke  striking,  whilest  the  Athenians  were  busie  fighting  one 
against  another  in  civill  warres,  and  within  the  compasse  of 
their  owne  walles.  This  Alcibiades  alone,  and  no  other,  dyd 
prevent,  not  only  by  persuading  the  whole  armie,  and  declar- 
ing the  inconvenience  thereof,  which  would  fall  out  apon 
their  sodaine  departure : but  also  by  intreating  some  parti- 
cularly aparte,  and  keeping  a number  backe  by  very  force. 
To  bring  this  about,  one  Thrasibulus  of  the  towne  of  Stira, 
dyd  helpe  him  muche : who  went  through  the  armie,  and 
cried  out  apon  them  that  were  bent  to  enterprise  this  jomey. 
For  he  had  the  biggest  and  lowdest  voyce  as  they  saye,  of 
any  man  that  was  in  all  the  cittie  of  Athens.  This  was  a 
notable  acte,  and  a great  pece  of  service  done  by  Alcibiades  : 
that  he  promised  five  hundred  saile  of  the  Phenicians  (which 
the  Lacedaemonians  assuredly  looked  for,  in  their  ayde  from 
the  king  of  Persia)  should  not  come  at  all,  or  els  if  they 
came,  it  should  be  in  the  favour  of  the  Athenians.  For  he 
departed  immediatly,  and  went  with  great  speede  to  Tisa- 
phernes : whom  he  handled  in  suche  sorte,  that  he  brought 
not  the  shippes  that  laye  at  rode  before  the  cittie  of  Aspenda, 
and  so  he  brake  promise  with  the  Lacedaemonians.  There- 
fore Alcibiades  was  marvelously  blamed  and  accused,  both  of 
the  one  and  the  other  side,  to  have  altered  Tisaphemes  minde, 
124 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

but  chiefly  of  the  Lacedaemonians : who  sayed  that  he  had 
persuaded  this  barbarous  captaine,  he  should  neither  ayde  the 
one  nor  the  other,  but  rather  to  suffer  them  one  to  devoure 
and  destroye  eache  other.  For  it  had  bene  out  of  doubt,  if 
this  great  fleete  and  navy  of  the  Kings  had  come,  to  joyne 
their  force  with  either  partie : that  they  had  taken  from 
the  one  of  them,  the  signiorie  and  domination  of  the  sea. 
Shortely  after,  the  foure  hundred  noble  men  that  had  usurped 
the  authoritie  and  government  of  Athens,  were  utterly  driven 
awaye  and  overthrowen,  by  meanes  of  the  friendly  ayde,  and 
assistaunce  that  Alcibiades  friends  gave  those  that  tooke  the 
peoples  parte.  So  the  cittizens  were  very  well  pleased  with 
Alcibiades,  in  so  muche  as  they  sent  for  him  to  returne  when 
he  thought  good.  But  he  judging  with  him  selfe  it  would  be 
no  honour  nor  grace  unto  him  to  returne  without  some  well 
deserving,  and  before  he  had  done  some  greater  exployte,  as 
only  upon  the  peoples  favour  and  good  will,  whereas  other- 
wise his  returne  might  be  both  glorious  and  triumphant : de- 
parted first  from  Samos  with  a small  number  of  gallyes,  and 
went  sailing  up  and  downe  the  lies  of  Cos  and  of  Gnidos.  There 
he  was  advertised,  that  Mindarus,  the  admirall  of  the  Lace- 
daemonians, was  gone  with  all  his  fleete  unto  the  straight  of 
Hellespont,  and  that  the  captaines  of  the  Athenians  gave 
chase  unto  him.  Thereupon  he  went  also  and  sayled  thither 
with  speede,  to  ayde  the  Athenians : and  by  very  good  for- 
tune came  with  eighteene  gallyes  even  at  the  very  instant, 
when  they  were  both  in  the  middest  of  their  fight,  with  all 
their  shippes  before  the  cittie  of  Abydos.  The  battell  was 
cruelly  foughten  betwene  them  from  morning  till  night,  both 
the  one  and  the  other  having  the  better  in  one  parte  of  the 
battell,  and  the  worst  in  another  place.  Now  at  the  first 
discoverie  of  Alcibiades  comming,  both  partes  had  in  deede 
contrarie  imaginations  of  him.  For  the  enemies  tooke  harte 
unto  them : and  the  Athenians  beganne  to  be  afeard.  But 
Alcibiades  set  up  straight  his  flagge  in  the  toppe  of  the 
galley  of  his  admirall,  to  shewe  what  he  was.  Wherewithal!, 
he  set  upon  the  Peloponnesians  that  had  the  better,  and  had 
certen  gallyes  of  the  Athenians  in  chase : whereupon  the 
Peloponnesians  gave  over  their  chase,  and  fled.  But  Alci- 

125 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


The  cittizens 
of  Athens  sent 
for  Alcibiades 
to  return. 


Battell  by  sea 
before  the 
cittie  of  Aby- 
dos, betweene 
the  Athe- 
nians and 
Lacedemo- 
nians. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 

Alcibiades 
victorie  of 
the  Lacedae- 
monians by 
sea. 


Alcibiades 
taken  pri- 
soner at 
Sardis,  flyeth 
from  Tisa- 
ph  ernes. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

biades  followed  them  so  lustely,  that  he  ranne  divers  of  them 
a ground,  and  brake  their  shippes,  and  slue  a great  number 
of  men  that  lept  into  the  sea,  in  hope  to  save  them  selves 
by  swimming  a lande.  So  notwithstanding  that  Pharnabazus 
was  come  thither  to  ayde  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  dyd  his 
best  indevour  to  save  their  gallyes  by  the  sea  shore  : yet  the 
Athenians  in  the  end  wanne  thirtie  gallyes  of  their  enemies, 
and  saved  all  their  owne,  and  so  dyd  set  up  certaine  flagges 
of  triumphe  and  victorie.  Alcibiades  having  now  happely 
gotten  this  glorious  victorie,  would  nedes  goe  shewe  him 
selfe  in  triumphe  unto  Tisaphernes.  So  having  prepared  to 
present  him  with  goodly  riche  presents,  and  appointed  also 
a convenient  traine  and  number  of  sayle  mete  for  a generall, 
he  tooke  his  course  directly  to  him.  But  he  found  not  that 
entertainment  he  hoped  for.  For  Tisaphernes  standing  in 
great  hazard  of  displeasure,  and  feare  of  punishment  at  the 
Kings  handes,  having  long  time  before  bene  defamed  by  the 
Lacedaemonians,  who  had  complained  of  him,  that  he  dyd 
not  fulfill  the  Kings  commaundement,  thought  that  Alci- 
biades was  arrived  in  very  happy  hower : whereupon  he  kept 
him  prisoner  in  the  cittie  of  Sardis,  supposing  the  wrong  he 
had  done,  would  by  this  meanes  easely  discharge,  and  purge 
him  to  the  King.  Yet  at  the  ende  of  thirtie  dayes,  Alcibiades 
by  fortune  got  a horse,  and  stealing  from  his  keepers,  fled 
unto  the  cittie  of  Clazomenes : and  this  dyd  more  increase 
the  suspition  they  had  of  Tisaphernes,  bicause  they  thought 
that  under  hand  he  had  wrought  his  libertie.  Alcibiades 
toke  then  sea  again,  and  went  to  seeke  out  the  armie  of  the 
Athenians.  Which  when  he  had  founde,  and  heard  newes 
that  Mindarus  and  Pharnabazus  were  together  in  the  cittie 
of  Cizicum  : he  made  an  oration  to  his  souldiers,  and  declared 
unto  them  how  it  was  very  requisite  they  should  fight  with 
their  enemies,  both  by  sea  and  by  lande,  and  moreover  that 
they  should  assault  them  within  their  fortes  and  castells, 
bicause  otherwise  they  could  have  no  money  to  defraye  their 
charges.  His  oration  ended,  he  made  them  immediatly 
hoyse  sayle,  and  so  to  goe  lye  at  anker  in  the  He  of  Proco- 
nesus  : where  he  tooke  order  that  they  should  keepe  in  all  the 
pinnases  and  brigantines  emong  the  shippes  of  warre,  that  the 
126 


'GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

enemie  might  have  no  manner  of  intelligence  of  his  comming. 
The  great  showers  of  rayne  also,  with  thunder  and  darke 
weather  that  fell  out  sodainely  upon  it,  dyd  greatly  further 
him  in  his  attempt  and  enterprise : in  so  muche  as  not  only 
his  enemies,  but  the  Athenians  that  were  there  before,  knewe 
nothing  of  his  comming.  So  some  made  their  reckoning, 
that  they  could  doe  litle  or  nothing  all  that  daye : yet  he 
made  them  sodainely  imbarke,  and  hoyse  sayle.  They  were 
no  sooner  in  the  mayne  sea,  but  they  discried  a farre  of  the 
gallyes  of  their  enemies,  which  laye  at  rode  before  the  haven 
of  Cyzicum.  And  fearing  least  the  great  number  of  his  fleete 
would  make  them  flye,  and  take  lande  before  he  could  come 
to  them : he  commaunded  certaine  captaines  to  staye  be- 
hinde,  and  to  rowe  softely  after  him,  and  him  selfe  with 
fortie  gallyes  with  him,  went  towards  the  enemies  to  provoke 
them  to  fight.  The  enemies  supposing  there  had  bene  no 
more  shippes,  then  those  that  were  in  sight : dyd  set  out  pre- 
sently to  fight  with  them.  They  were  no  sooner  joyned  to- 
gether, but  Alcibiades  shippes  that  came  behinde,  were  also 
descried : the  enemies  were  so  afeard  thereat,  that  they  cast 
about,  and  fled  straight.  Alcibiades  leaving  his  fleete,  fol- 
lowed the  chase  with  twentie  of  the  best  gallyes  he  had,  and 
drave  them  a lande.  Thereupon  he  landed  also,  and  pursued 
them  so  corageously  at  their  heeles,  that  he  slue  a great 
number  of  them  on  the  mayne  lande,  who  thought  by  flying  to 
have  saved  them  selves.  Moreover,  Mindarus,  and  Pharna- 
bazus,  being  come  out  of  the  cittie  to  rescue  their  people, 
were  overthrowen  both.  He  slue  Mindarus  in  the  field, 
fighting  valliantly  : as  for  Pharnabazus,  he  cowardly  fled 
away.  So  the  Athenians  spoyled  the  dead  bodies  (which 
were  a great  number)  of  a great  deale  of  armour  and  riches, 
and  tooke  besides  all  their  enemies  shippes.  After  they 
tooke  the  cittie  of  Cizycum,  Pharnabazus  having  left  it. 
Then  the  Peloponnesians  being  slaine,  they  had  not  only  the 
possession  of  the  whole  countrie  of  Hellespont,  which  they 
kept : but  they  drave  their  enemies  by  force,  out  of  all  partes 
of  the  sea.  There  were  at  that  time  certaine  letters  inter- 
cepted, whereby  a secretarie  gave  advertissement  unto  the 
Ephori  at  Sparta,  of  the  overthrowe  in  this  sorte : All  is 

127 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 
victorie  at 
Cyzicum. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

ALCIBIA-  lost,  Mindarus  is  slaine,  our  people  dye  for  hunger,  and  we 
DES  knowe  not  what  to  doe.  Now  the  souldiers  of  Athens  that 
had  bene  at  this  jorney  and  overthrowe,  grewe  to  suche  a 
pryde  and  reputation  of  them  selves,  that  they  would  not, 
and  disdained  also  to  serve  with  the  other  souldiers  that  had 
bene  beaten  many  times,  and  went  away  with  the  worse. 
Where  they  to  the  contrarie  had  never  bene  overcome,  as  a 
litle  before  it  happened,  that  the  captaine  Thrasyllus  had 
bene  overthrowen  by  the  cittie  of  Ephesus.  And  for  this 
overthrowe,  the  Ephesians  had  set  up  a triumphe,  and  token 
of  brasse,  to  the  utter  shame  and  ignominie  of  the  Athenians. 
For  the  which  Alcibiades  souldiers  did  very  muche  rebuke 
Thrasyllus  men,  and  dyd  exceedingly  extoll  their  captaine 
and  them  selves,  and  would  neither  encampe  with  them, 
neither  have  to  doe  with  them,  nor  yet  keepe  them  com- 
panie.  Untill  suche  time  as  Pharnabazus  came  with  a great 
armie  against  them,  aswell  of  footemen  as  horsemen,  when 
they  ranne  a foraging  upon  the  Abydenians : and  then 
Alcibiades  went  to  the  rescue  of  them,  and  gave  Pharna- 
bazus battell,  and  overthrewe  him  once  againe,  and  dyd 
together  with  Thrasyllus  chase  him  even  untill  darke  night. 
Then  both  Alcibiades  and  Thrasyllus  souldiers  dyd  companie 
together,  one  rejoy cing  with  another : and  so  returned  all 
with  great  joye  into  one  campe.  The  next  morning  Alci- 
biades set  up  a triumphe  for  the  victorie  he  had  the  daye 
before,  and  then  went  to  spoyle  and  destroye  Pharnabazus 
countrie,  where  he  was  governour,  and  no  man  durst  once 
come  out  to  meete  him.  In  this  rode  there  were  taken 
prisoners,  certaine  priestes  and  Nunnes  of  the  comitrie : but 
Alcibiades  freely  delivered  them  afterwards  without  ransome. 
And  preparing  to  make  warres  against  the  Chalcedonians, 
who  were  revolted  from  the  Athenians,  and  had  receyved  a 
garrison  and  governour  of  the  Lacedaemonians  into  their 
cittie : he  was  advertissed  that  they  had  brought  in  all  their 
goods  and  cattells  out  of  the  fieldes,  and  had  delivered  them 
to  the  safe  custodie  of  the  Bithynians,  who  were  their  neigh- 
bours and  friends.  Hereupon  he  led  his  armie  into  their 
borders,  and  sent  a herauld  before  to  summone  the  Bithy- 
nians, to  make  amends  for  the  wrong  they  had  done  the 
128 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

Athenians.  The  Bithynians  fearing  least  Alcibiades  would 
set  apon  them,  dyd  straight  deliver  him  the  goodes  they  had 
as  afore  in  their  custodie,  and  moreover,  made  a league  with 
the  Athenians  besides.  That  done,  he  went  and  layed  seige 
to  the  cittie  of  Chalcedon,  the  which  he  environned  all  about 
from  the  one  side  of  the  sea  to  the  other.  Pharnabazus 
came  thither,  thincking  to  have  raised  the  seige.  And 
Hippocrates,  a captain  of  the  Lacedaemonians,  that  was  gover- 
nour  of  the  cittie,  assembled  all  the  force  he  was  able  to 
make  within  the  same,  and  made  a salye  out  also  upon  the 
Athenians  at  the  very  same  time.  Whereupon  Alcibiades 
putting  his  men  in  order  of  battell,  so  as  they  might  geve  a 
charge  upon  them  both  at  one  instant : he  fought  so  valli- 
antly,  that  he  forced  Pharnabazus  to  runne  his  waye  with 
shame  enough,  and  slue  Hippocrates  in  the  field,  with  a 
great  number  of  his  men.  Then  tooke  he  the  seas  againe, 
to  goe  towardes  the  countrie  of  Hellespont,  to  get  some 
money,  where  upon  the  sodaine  he  did  take  the  cittie  of 
Selybrea : bicause  he  valliantly  put  him  selfe  in  hazard 
before  the  time  appointed  him.  For  certain  of  his  friends 
within,  with  whom  he  had  secret  practise,  had  geven  him  a 
token,  that  when  time  served,  they  would  shewe  a burning 
torche  in  the  ayer  at  midnight : but  they  were  compelled  to 
shew  this  fyer  in  the  ayer  before  they  were  readie,  for  feare 
least  one  of  their  confederacie  would  bewraye  the  matter, 
who  sodainly  repented  him.  Now  this  torche  burning  in  the 
ayer,  was  set  up  before  Alcibiades  was  readie  with  his  com- 
panie.  But  he  perceyving  the  signe  set,  tooke  about  thirtie 
men  with  him  in  his  companie,  and  ranne  with  them  to  the 
walles  of  the  cittie,  having  commaunded  the  rest  of  his  armie 
to  followe  him  with  all  speede  possible.  The  gate  was 
opened  to  him,  and  to  his  thirtie  men : besides  them  there 
followed  twentie  other  light  armed  men.  Howbeit  they 
were  no  soner  entered  the  cittie,  but  they  heard  the  cittizens 
armed  come  against  them : so  that  there  was  no  hope  to 
scape,  if  he  dyd  tarie  their  comming.  Nevertheles,  consider- 
ing that  untill  that  present  time  he  was  never  overcome  in 
battell,  where  he  had  taken  charge,  it  greved  him  very 
muche  to  flye : wherefore  it  straight  came  in  his  head  t 
2 : R 129 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 
victorie  at 
Chalcedonia. 


Alcibiades 
tooke  the 
cittie  of 
Selybrea. 


The  present 
wit  of  Alci- 
biades. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


The  Chalce- 
donians  re- 
ceyve  the 
Athenians. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

make  silence  by  sound  of  trumpet,  and  after  silence  made, 
he  caused  one  of  them  that  were  about  him  to  make  pro- 
clamation with  a lowde  voyce,  that  the  Selybrianians  should 
not  take  armes  against  the  Athenians.  This  cooled  them  a 
litle  that  would  fayne  have  bene  doing,  bicause  they  supposed 
that  all  the  armie  of  the  Athenians  had  bene  already  in  the 
cittie : the  other  on  the  contrarie  side,  were  very  glad  to 
talke  of  peace,  without  any  further  daunger.  And  as  they 
beganne  to  parle  upon  composition,  the  rest  of  Alcibiades 
armie  was  come  on.  Now  he  thincking  in  deede  (which  was 
true)  that  the  Selybrianians  sought  nothing  but  peace,  and 
fearing  least  the  Thracians  which  were  many  in  number 
(and  came  writh  good  will  to  serve  him  in  that  jomey)  would 
sacke  and  spoyle  the  cittie,  he  made  them  all  to  goe  out 
againe : and  so  concluding  peace  with  the  chiefe  of  the 
Selybrianians,  he  dyd  them  no  more  hurte,  apon  their 
humble  submission,  but  made  them  paye  him  a summe  of 
money,  and  so  leaving  a garrison  of  the  Athenians  within 
the  cittie,  he  departed  thence.  Whilest  Alcibiades  was  in 
treatie  with  the  Selybrianians,  the  other  Athenian  captaines 
that  laye  at  the  siege  of  Chalcedon,  made  an  agreement  with 
Pharnabazus,  that  he  should  geve  them  a summe  of  money, 
and  give  up  the  towne  into  the  Athenians  handes,  to  enjoye 
it  as  they  had  before.  And  with  expresse  condition  also, 
that  the  Athenians  should  make  no  rodes  into  Pharnabazus 
dominions,  to  hurte  or  spoyle  any  of  his  : and  likewise  should 
be  bounde  to  geve  good  safe  conduyte  unto  the  ambassadours 
of  the  Athenians,  to  goe  and  come  safe  from  time  to  time, 
to  the  king  of  Persia.  The  other  captaines  being  sworn  to 
this  peace,  Pharnabazus  conditioned  also,  that  Alcibiades  at 
his  returne  should  likewise  be  sworne  to  the  peace  and  con- 
ditions thereof.  But  Alcibiades  sayed,  he  would  not  be 
sworne  at  all,  unles  Pharnabazus  were  first  sworne  for  his 
parte.  Thus  when  othes  were  taken  of  either  side,  Alci- 
biades went  also  against  those  of  Byzantium,  who  in  like 
case  had  rebelled  against  the  Athenians.  At  his  first 
comming  thither,  he  environned  the  cittie  round  about  with 
a walle.  Afterwards  he  practised  with  two  secret  friends  of 
his,  Anaxilaus,  and  Lycurgus,  and  certen  other  within  the 
130 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


cittie,  who  promised  him  to  deliver  it  into  his  handes,  so 
they  might  be  assured  he  would  doe  them  no  hurte.  To 
culler  this  practise,  he  gave  it  out,  that  he  must  nedes  leave 
the  siege,  and  departe  with  speede,  for  certain  newes  that 
were  come  out  of  Ionia  : and  thereupon  he  imbarked  pre- 
sently, and  went  out  of  the  haven  at  none  dayes  with  all  his 
shippes,  howbeit  he  returned  again  the  same  night.  And 
going  a lande  with  the  choycest  and  best  armed  men  he  had, 
he  approched  the  walles  of  the  cittie,  without  any  manner  of 
noyse,  having  left  order  with  them  that  remained  in  the 
shippes,  that  in  the  meane  season  they  should  rowe  with  all 
force  into  the  haven,  with  as  great  cries  and  showtes  as 
might  be,  to  feare  and  trouble  the  enemies  : partely  to  feare 
the  Bizantines  the  more  with  their  sodaine  comming  among 
them,  and  partely  that  his  confederates  within  the  cittie, 
might  with  better  oportunitie  receyve  him  and  his  com- 
panie,  into  the  towne  with  the  more  assured  safety,  whilest 
every  man  ranne  to  the  haven,  to  resist  them  that  were  upon 
the  gaily es.  Nevertheles  they  went  not  away  unfought  with. 
For  those  that  laye  in  garrison  within  the  cittie,  some  of 
them  Peloponnesians,  other  Boeotians,  and  other  Megarians, 
dyd  so  valliantly  repulse  them  that  came  out  of  their  gallyes, 
that  they  drave  them  to  retire  abord  againe.  Afterwardes 
hearing  how  the  Athenians  were  entred : the  cittie  on 
thother  side,  they  put  them  selves  in  battell  raye,  and  went 
to  mete  them.  The  battell  was  terrible  of  both  partes  : but 
Alcibiades  in  the  ende  obtained  victorie,  leading  the  right 
winge  of  his  battell,  and  Theramenes  the  lefte.  The  victorie 
being  gotten,  he  tooke  300  of  his  enemies  prisoners,  who  had 
escaped  the  furie  of  the  battell.  But  after  the  battell,  there 
was  not  a Byzantine  put  to  death,  neither  banished,  nor  his 
good  confiscated : bicause  it  was  capitulated  by  Alcibiades  with 
his  confederats,  that  neither  he,  nor  his,  should  hurt  any  of  the 
Bizantines  either  in  persone  or  goodes,  nor  any  way  should  rifle 
them.  And  Anaxilaus  being  afterwards  accused  of  treason  in 
Lacedaemon,  for  this  practise : he  aunswered,  and  justified 
him  self  in  suche  sorte,  that  they  could  not  finde  he  had 
committed  the  faulte  layed  unto  his  charge.  For  he  sayed, 
that  he  was  no  Lacedaemonian,  but  a Byzantine : and  that 

131 


ALCIBIA- 
DES 
Alcibiades 
stratageame 
at  Bizantium, 


Alcibiades 

winneth 

Bizantium. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 
honorable 
returne  into 
his  countrie. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

he  sawe  not  Lacedaemon  in  daunger,  but  Byzantium,  which 
the  enemies  had  compassed  about  with  a walle  they  had 
built,  that  it  was  unpossible  to  bring  any  thing  into  the 
cittie.  Moreover  he  alleaged,  that  they  having  very  smal 
store  of  corne  within  the  cittie  (as  was  true  in  dede)  the 
Peloponnesians,  and  Boeotians,  that  laye  there  in  garrison 
dyd  eate  it  up,  while  the  poore  Byzantines  them  selves,  their 
wives  and  children,  dyed  for  very  hunger.  Therefore  it 
could  not  be  sayed  of  him,  that  he  had  betrayed  his  countrie, 
but  rather  that  he  had  delivered  it  from  the  miseries  and 
calamities  the  warres  brought  upon  it : wherein  he  had 
followed  the  example  of  the  honestest  men  of  Lacedaemon, 
who  dyd  acknowledge  nothing  honest  and  juste,  but  that 
which  was  necessarie  and  profitable  for  their  countrie.  The 
Lacedaemonians  hearing  his  reasons  he  alleaged  for  his  pur- 
gation, were  ashamed  to  condemne  him,  and  therefore  they 
let  him  goe.  Now  Alcibiades  desirous  in  the  ende  to  see  his 
native  countrie  againe  (or  to  speake  more  truely,  that  his 
con  try  men  should  see  him)  after  he  had  so  many  times  over- 
throwen  their  enemies  in  battell : he  hoysed  saile,  and  directed 
his  course  towardes  Athens,  bringing  with  him  all  the  gallyes 
of  the  Athenians  richely  furnished,  and  decked  all  about, 
with  skutchines  and  targettes,  and  other  armour  and  weapon 
gotten  amongest  the  spoyles  of  his  enemies.  Moreover,  he 
brought  with  him  many  other  shippes,  which  he  had  wonne 
and  broken  in  the  warres,  besides  many  ensignes  and  other 
ornaments : all  which  being  compted  together  one  with  the 
other,  made  up  the  number  of  two  hundred  shippes.  Further- 
more, where  Duris  Samian  writeth  (who  challengeth  that  he 
came  of  his  house)  that  at  his  returne  one  Chrysogonus,  an 
excellent  player  of  the  flute  (that  had  wonne  certaine  of  the 
Pythian  games)  dyd  playe  suche  a note,  that  at  the  sounde 
thereof  the  galley  slaves  would  keepe  stroke  with  their  owers, 
and  that  Callipides  another  excellent  player  of  tragedies, 
playing  the  parte  of  a comedie,  dyd  sturre  them  to  rowe, 
being  in  suche  players  garments  as  every  master  of  suche 
science  useth  commonly  to  weare,  presenting  him  selfe  in 
Theater  or  stage  before  the  people  to  shewe  his  arte : and 
that  the  admirall  galley  wherein  him  self  was,  entred  the 
132 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

haven  with  a purple  saile,  as  if  some  maske  had  come  into  a 
mans  house  after  some  great  banket  made  : neither  Ephorus, 
nor  Theopompus,  nor  Xenophon,  make  any  mention  of  this 
at  all.  Furthermore,  me  thinkes  it  should  not  be  true,  that 
he  returning  from  exile  after  so  long  a banishment,  and 
having  passed  over  such  sorowes  and  calamities  as  he  had 
susteined,  would  so  prowdly  and  presumptuously  shewe  him 
selfe  unto  the  Athenians.  But  merely  contrarie,  it  is  most 
certain,  that  he  returned  in  great  feare  and  doubt.  For 
when  he  was  arrived  in  the  haven  of  Piraea,  he  would  not 
set  foote  a lande,  before  he  first  sawe  his  nephewe  Eury- 
ptolemus,  and  divers  other  of  his  friendes  from  the  hatches  of 
his  shippe,  standing  apon  the  sandes  in  the  haven  mouthe. 
Who  were  come  thither  to  receyve  and  welcome  him,  and 
tolde  him  that  he  might  be  bolde  to  lande,  without  feare  of 
any  thing.  He  was  no  soner  landed,  but  all  the  people  ranne 
out  of  every  corner  to  see  him,  with  so  great  love  and  affec- 
tion, that  they  tooke  no  heede  of  the  other  captaines  that 
came  with  him,  but  clustred  all  to  him  only,  and  cried  out 
for  joye  to  see  him.  Those  that  could  come  neere  him,  dyd 
welcome  and  imbrace  him : but  all  the  people  wholy  followed 
him.  And  some  that  came  to  him,  put  garlands  of  flowers 
upon  his  head : and  those  that  could  not  come  neere  him, 
sawe  him  a farre  of,  and  the  olde  folkes  dyd  pointe  him  out 
to  the  yonger  sorte.  But  this  common  joye  was  mingled 
notwithstanding,  with  teares  and  sorowe,  when  they  came  to 
thinke  upon  their  former  misfortunes  and  calamities,  and  to 
compare  them  with  their  present  prosperitie : waying  with 
them  selves  also  how  they  had  not  lost  Sicilia,  nor  their  hope 
in  all  things  els  had  failed  them,  if  they  had  delivered  them 
selves  and  the  charge  of  their  armie  into  Alcibiades  hands, 
when  they  sent  for  him  to  appeare  in  persone  before  them. 
Considering  also  how  he  found  the  cittie  of  Athens  in  manner 
put  from  their  seigniorie  and  commandement  on  the  sea,  and 
on  the  other  side  how  their  force  by  lande  was  brought 
unto  such  extremitie,  that  Athens  scantly  could  defend  her 
suburbes,  the  cittie  self  being  so  devided  and  turmoiled  with 
civill  dissention : yet  he  gathered  together  those  fewe,  and 
small  force  that  remained,  and  had  now  not  only  restored 

133 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 
oration  to 
the  people. 


Alcibiades 
chosen  gene- 
rail  with 
soveraine 
authoritie. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

Athens  to  her  former  power  and  soveraintie  on  the  sea,  but 
had  made  her  also  a conquerer  by  lande.  Now  the  decree 
for  his  repaire  home  againe,  was  past  before  by  the  people, 
at  the  instant  request  of  Callias,  the  sonne  of  Callaeschrus, 
who  dyd  preferre  it : as  he  him  selfe  dyd  testifie  in  his  elegies, 
putting  Alcibiades  in  remembraunce  of  the  good  turne  he 
had  done  him,  saying : 

I was  the  first  that  moved  in  open  conference, 
the  peoples  voyce  to  call  thee  home,  when  thou  wert  banisht  hence. 

So  was  I eke  the  first,  which  thereto  gave  consent, 
and  therefore  maye  I boldly  saye,  by  truthe  of  suche  intent : 

I was  the  only  meane,  to  call  thee  home  againe, 

by  suche  request  so  rightly  made,  to  move  the  peoples  vayne. 

And  this  maye  serve  for  pledge,  what  friendshippe  I thee  beare  : 
fast  sealed  with  a faithfull  tongue,  as  plainely  shall  appeare. 

But  notwithstanding,  the  people  being  assembled  all  in 
counsaill,  Alcibiades  came  before  them,  and  made  an  oration  : 
wherein  he  first  lamented  all  his  mishappes,  and  founde  him 
selfe  grieved  a litle  with  the  wronges  they  had  offred  him, 
yet  he  imputed  all  in  the  ende  to  his  cursed  fortune,  and 
some  spightfull  god  that  envied  his  glorie  and  prosperitie. 
Then  he  dilated  at  large  the  great  hope  their  enemies  had  to 
have  advantage  of  them : and  therewithall  persuaded  the 
people  to  be  of  good  corage,  and  afeard  of  nothing  that  was 
to  come.  And  to  conclude,  the  people  crowned  him  with 
crownes  of  golde,  and  chose  him  generall  againe  of  Athens, 
with  soveraine  power  and  authoritie  both  by  lande  as  by  sea. 
And  at  that  very  instant  it  was  decreed  by  the  people,  that 
he  should  be  restored  againe  to  all  his  goodes,  and  that  the 
priestes  Eumolpides  should  absolve  him  of  all  their  curses, 
and  that  the  herauldes  should  with  open  proclamation  revoke 
the  execrations  and  cursinges  they  had  thundered  out  against 
him  before,  by  commaundement  of  the  people.  Whereto 
they  all  agreed,  and  were  very  willing,  saving  Theodorus  the 
bishoppe,  who  sayed  : I dyd  neither  excommunicate  him,  nor 
curse  him,  if  he  hath  done  no  hurte  to  the  common  wealth. 
Now  Alcibiades  florished  in  his  chiefest  prosperitie,  yet  were 
there  some  notwithstanding  that  misliked  very  muche  the 
time  of  his  landing : saying  it  was  very  unluckie  and  unfor- 
134 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

tunate.  For  the  very  daye  of  his  returne  and  arrivall,  fell 
out  by  chaunce  on  the  feast  which  they  call  Plynteria,  as 
you  would  saye,  the  washing  daye,  which  they  celebrate  in 
honour  of  Minerva:  on  the  which  daye,  the  priestes  that 
they  call  Praxiergides,  doe  make  certen  secret  and  hidden 
sacrifices  and  ceremonies,  being  the  five  and  twenty  daye  of 
the  moneth  of  September,  and  doe  take  from  the  image  of 
this  goddesse,  all  her  rayment  and  juells,  and  keepe  the 
image  close  covered  over.  Hereupon  the  Athenians  doe 
ascribe  that  daye,  for  a most  unfortunate  daye,  and  are  very 
circumspect  to  doe  any  matter  of  importance  on  it.  More- 
over, it  was  commonly  scanned  abroade  of  every  bodye,  that 
it  seemed  the  goddesse  was  not  content,  nor  glad  of  Alci- 
biades  returne : and  that  she  dyd  hide  her  selfe,  bicause  she 
would  not  see  him,  nor  have  him  come  neere  her.  Notwith- 
standing all  these  toyes  and  ceremonies,  when  Alcibiades 
found  every  thing  fall  out  well  at  his  returne,  and  as  he 
would  have  wished  it : he  armed  a hundred  gallyes  presently, 
to  returne  againe  to  the  warres.  Howbeit  he  wisely  regarded 
the  time  and  solemnitie  of  celebration  of  these  mysteries, 
and  considerately  stayed  untill  they  had  finished  all.  And 
it  fell  out,  that  after  the  Lacedaemonians  had  taken  and 
fortified  the  cittie  of  Decelea,  within  the  territorie  of  Attica, 
and  that  the  enemies  being  the  stronger  in  the  field,  dyd 
keepe  the  waye  going  from  Athens  to  Eleusin,  so  as  by  no 
possible  meanes  they  could  make  their  solemne  procession  by 
lande,  with  suche  honour  and  devotion  as  they  were  before 
accustomed  to  doe : and  thereby  all  the  sacrifices,  dawnces, 
and  many  other  holy  devowte  ceremonies  they  were  wonte 
to  doe  by  the  waye,  in  singing  the  holy  songe  of  Iacchus, 
came  of  very  necessitie  to  be  left  of,  and  cleane  layed  a side. 
Then  Alcibiades  thought  he  should  doe  a meritorious  dede 
to  the  godds,  and  an  acceptable  to  men,  to  bring  the  olde 
ceremonies  up  againe  upon  the  said  feast : and  thereupon 
purposed  to  accompanie  the  procession,  and  defend  it  by 
power,  against  all  invasion  and  disturbaunce  by  the  enemies. 
As  one  that  foresawe  one  of  those  two  things  would  come  to 
passe.  Either  that  Agis  king  of  the  Lacedaemonians  would 
not  sturre  at  all  against  the  sacred  ceremonies,  and  by  this 

135 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 

Plynteria 


Alcibiades 
restored  the 
olde  cere- 
monies. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

meanes  should  much  imbase  and  diminishe  his  reputation 
and  glorie : or  if  he  dyd  come  out  to  the  field,  that  he 
would  make  the  battell  very  gratefull  to  the  goddes, 
considering  it  should  be  in  defence  of  their  most  holy 
feast  and  worshippe,  and  in  the  sight  of  his  countrie,  where 
the  people  should  see  and  witnesse  both,  his  valliantnes, 
and  also  his  corage.  Alcibiades  being  fully  resolved  upon 
this  procession,  went  and  made  the  priestes  Eumolpides, 
their  vergers,  and  other  their  ministers  and  officers  of  these 
mysteries,  privie  to  his  determination.  Then  he  sent  out 
skowtes  to  watche  on  the  side  of  the  hilles  thereabouts,  and 
to  viewe  the  waye  of  their  perambulation.  The  next  morn- 
ing very  early  he  sent  out  light  horsemen  also  to  scowre  the 
countrie.  Then  he  made  the  priestes,  the  professed,  and  all 
the  ministers  of  religion,  goe  in  procession,  together  with 
those  that  followed  the  same : and  he  him  selfe  compassed 
them  about  with  his  armie  on  every  side,  marching  in  battell 
raye,  and  very  good  order,  and  with  great  silence.  This  was 
an  honorable  and  devoute  leading  of  an  armie,  and  suche  as 
if  his  greatest  enemies  would  confesse  a trothe,  they  could 
not  but  saye,  Alcibiades  had  as  muche  shewed  the  office  of 
a highe  bishoppe,  as  of  a noble  souldier  and  good  captaine. 
So  he  ended  this  procession,  returning  to  Athens  in  all  safe 
order  againe,  and  not  an  enemie  that  durst  once  looke  out 
into  the  field  to  set  upon  him.  Now  this  dyd  more  increase 
the  greatnes  of  his  minde,  and  therewith  the  peoples  good 
opinion  of  his  sufficiencie,  and  wise  conduction  of  an  armie : 
in  so  much  as  they  thought  him  unvincible,  having  the 
soveraine  power  and  authoritie  of  a generall.  Further- 
more, he  spake  so  fayer  to  the  poore  people,  and  meaner 
sorte,  that  they  chiefly  wished  and  desired  he  would  take 
upon  him  like  a King : yea,  and  many  went  to  him  to  per- 
suade him  in  it,  as  though  he  should  thereby  withstand  all 
envie,  and  drive  awaye  the  lawes  and  customes  of  trying 
of  matters  by  the  voyces  of  the  people,  and  all  suche  fond 
devises,  as  dyd  destroy e the  state  of  the  common  weale. 
And  furthermore,  they  sayed  it  was  very  needefull  that  he 
alone  should  take  upon  him  the  whole  rule  and  government 
of  the  cittie,  that  he  might  dispose  all  things  according  to 
136 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


his  will,  and  not  stande  in  feare  of  slaunderous  and  wicked 
tongues.  Now,  whether  Alcibiades  ever  had  any  minde  to 
usurpe  the  Kingdome,  the  matter  is  somewhat  doubtfull. 
But  this  is  certaine,  the  greatest  men  of  the  cittie,  fearing 
least  in  deede  he  ment  some  suche  thing,  dyd  hasten  his 
departure  as  sone  as  they  could  possible,  doing  all  other 
things  according  to  his  minde : and  dyd  assigne  him  suche 
associates  in  his  charge  of  generall,  as  he  him  selfe  best  liked. 
So  in  the  ende,  he  departed  with  a fleete  of  a hundred 
gallyes,  and  first  of  all  he  fell  with  the  He  of  Andros, 
where  he  overcame  by  fight,  the  inhabitantes  of  the  said 
lie,  and  certaine  Lacedaemonians  that  were  amongest  them : 
but  he  tooke  not  the  cittie,  which  was  one  of  the  first 
matters  his  enemies  dyd  accuse  him  for.  For  if  ever  man 
was  overthrowen  and  envied,  for  the  estimation  they  had 
of  his  vallure  and  sufficiency,  truely  Alcibiades  was  the  man. 
For  the  notable  and  sundry  services  he  had  done,  wanne  him 
suche  estimation  of  wisedome  and  valliantnes,  that  where  he 
slacked  in  any  service  whatsoever,  he  was  presently  suspected, 
judging  the  ill  successe  not  in  that  he  could  not,  but  for 
that  he  would  not : and  that  where  he  undertooke  any  enter- 
prise, nothing  could  withstand  or  lye  in  his  waye.  Here- 
upon the  people  persuading  them  selves,  that  immediatly 
after  his  departure,  they  should  heare  that  the  lie  of  Chio 
was  taken,  with  all  the  countrie  of  Ionia : they  were  angrie 
they  could  have  no  newes  so  sodainely  from  him  as  they 
looked  for.  Moreover,  they  dyd  not  consider  the  lacke  of 
money  he  had,  and  specially  making  warre  with  suche 
enemies,  as  were  ever  relieved  with  the  great  king  of  Persiaes 
ayde,  and  that  for  necessities  sake  he  was  sundrie  times 
driven  to  leave  his  campe,  to  seeke  money  where  he  could 
get  it,  to  paye  his  souldiers,  and  to  mainteine  his  armie. 
Now  for  testimony  hereof,  the  last  accusation  that  was 
against  him,  was  only  for  this  matter.  Lysander  being 
sent  by  the  Lacedaemonians  for  admirall  and  generall  of 
their  armie  by  sea,  used  suche  policie  with  Cyrus,  the  king 
of  Persiaes  brother,  that  he  got  into  his  handes  a great  some 
of  money : by  meanes  whereof  he  gave  unto  his  mariners 
foure  oboles  a daye  for  their  wages,  where  before  they  were 
2 : S 137 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 

second 

jorney. 


Lacke  of 
money,  the 
occasion  of 
the  over- 
throwe  of 
the  Athenians 
armie  by  sea. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Antiochus 
rashnes,  pro- 
cured his 
owne  death, 
and  the  over- 
throwe  of  the 
Athenians 
armie. 


Lysander 
beinggenerall 
of  the  Lace- 
daemonians, 
overcame  the 
Athenians. 


Alcibiades 
accused  again 
by  Thrasy- 
bulus. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

wont  to  have  but  three,  and  yet  Alcibiades  had  muche  a doe 
to  furnishe  his  with  three  only  a daye.  For  this  cause,  to 
get  money,  Alcibiades  sailed  into  Caria.  But  in  the  meane 
time  Antiochus,  whom  Alcibiades  had  left  his  lieutenaunt 
behind  him,  and  had  geven  him  charge  of  all  the  shippes 
in  his  absence,  being  a very  skilfull  sea  man,  but  otherwise 
a hastie  harebraynd  foole,  and  of  small  capacitie : he  being 
expressely  commaunded  by  Alcibiades  not  to  fight  in  any 
case,  though  the  enemies  offred  him  battell,  was  so  foolishe 
rashe,  and  made  so  litle  reckoning  of  his  straight  com- 
maundement,  that  he  armed  his  owne  gallye,  whereof  him 
selfe  was  captaine,  and  another  besides,  and  went  to  the 
cittie  of  Ephesus,  passing  all  alonge  his  enemies  gallyes, 
reviling  and  offering  villany  to  those  that  stoode  apon  the 
hatches  of  their  gallyes.  Lysander  being  marvelously  pro- 
voked by  those  wordes,  went  and  encountered  him  at  the 
first  with  a fewe  shippes.  The  other  captaines  of  the 
gallyes  of  the  Athenians,  seeing  Antiochus  in  daunger, 
went  to  ayde  him,  one  after  another.  Then  Lysander  of 
his  parte  also  set  out  all  his  whole  fleete  against  him,  and 
in  the  end  overcame  them,  Antiochus  self  was  killed  in 
the  conflict,  and  many  gallyes  and  men  were  taken  prisoners : 
wherefore  Lysander  set  up  shewes  of  triumphe  in  token  of 
victorie.  Alcibiades  hearing  these  ill  favored  newes,  re- 
turned presently  with  all  possible  speede  to  Samos : and 
when  he  came  thither,  he  went  with  all  the  rest  of  his 
fleete  to  offer  Lysander  battell.  But  Lysander  quietly 
contenting  him  selfe  with  his  first  victorie : went  not  out 
against  him.  Now  this  victorie  was  no  soner  wonne,  but 
one  Thrasybulus  the  sonne  of  Thrason,  Alcibiades  enemie, 
went  incontinently  from  the  campe,  and  got  him  to  Athens, 
to  accuse  Alcibiades  to  the  people : whom  he  informed  how 
all  went  to  wracke,  and  that  he  had  lost  many  shippes,  for 
that  he  regarded  not  his  charge,  carelesly  putting  men  in 
truste,  whom  he  gave  to  great  credit  to,  bicause  they  were 
good  fellowes,  and  would  drincke  droncke  with  him,  and 
were  full  of  mariners  mockes  and  knavishe  jeastes,  such  as 
they  use  commonly  amongest  them  selves.  And  that  he 
in  the  meane  time  tooke  his  pleasure  abroade,  here,  and 
138 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

there,  scraping  money  together  where  he  could  come  by  it, 
keeping  good  cheere,  and  feasting  of  the  Abydenian  and  Ionian 
courtisans,  when  the  enemies  armie  was  so  neere  theirs  as  it 
was.  Moreover,  they  layed  to  his  charge,  that  he  dyd  fortifie 
a castell  in  the  countrie  of  Thracia,  neere  unto  the  cittie  of 
Bisanthe,  for  a place  to  retire  him  selfe  unto,  either  bicause 
he  could  not,  or  rather  that  he  would  not,  live  any  lenger 
in  his  owne  countrie.  Upon  those  accusations,  the  Athenians 
geving  over  credit  to  the  reporte : dyd  immediatly  choose 
newe  captaines,  and  thereby  declared  their  misliking.  Alci- 
biades  hearing  of  this,  and  fearing  least  they  would  doe  him 
some  worse  harme,  dyd  leave  straight  the  Athenians  campe, 
and  gathering  a certaine  number  of  straungers  together,  went 
of  him  selfe  to  make  warre  apon  certaine  free  people  of  the 
Thracians,  who  were  subject  to  no  prince  nor  state : where  he 
got  a marvelous  masse  of  money  together,  by  meanes  whereof 
he  dyd  assure  the  Graecians  inhabiting  those  marches,  from  all 
invasion  of  forreine  enemies.  Now  Tydeus,  Menander,  and 
Adimanthus  the  Athenians  captaines,  being  afterwards  in  a 
place  commonly  called  the  goates  river,  with  all  the  gallyes 
the  cittie  of  Athens  had  at  that  time  apon  that  coast : used 
every  morning  commonly  to  goe  to  the  sea,  to  offer  battell 
to  Lysander,  who  rode  at  an  ancker  before  the  cittie  of 
Lampsacus,  with  all  the  Lacedaemonians  armie  by  sea,  and 
commonly  returned  againe  to  the  place  from  whence  they 
came,  in  very  ill  order,  without  either  watche  or  warde,  as 
men  that  were  careles  of  their  enemies.  Alcibiades  being 
on  the  lande  not  farre  of,  and  finding  their  great  faulte  and 
negligence : tooke  his  horse,  and  went  to  them,  and  told 
them  that  they  laye  on  an  ill  shore,  where  there  was  no 
good  rode,  nor  towne,  and  where  they  were  driven  to  seeke 
their  vittells,  as  farre  as  to  the  cittie  of  Sestos,  and  that 
they  suffered  their  mariners  to  leave  their  shippes,  and  goe 
a lande  when  they  laye  at  ancker,  straggling  up  and  downe 
the  countrie  as  they  would  them  selves,  without  regarde 
that  there  laye  a great  armie  of  their  enemies  before 
them,  readie  to  be  set  out  at  their  generalles  commaunde- 
ment : and  therefore  he  advised  them  to  remove  thence, 
and  to  goe  cast  ancker  before  the  cittie  of  Sestos.  How- 

139 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Alcibiades 
put  from  his 
authoritie  of 
general!. 


Lysander  rode 
at  ancker 
before  Lamp- 
sacus. 


The  Athe- 
nians re- 
garded not 
Alcibiades 
good  counsell. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


The  Athen- 
ians over- 
come by 
Lysander. 

Athens  taken 
by  Lysander. 


Alcibiades 
flieth  into  the 
countrie  of 
Bithynia. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

beit  the  captaines  would  not  be  advised  by  him : and 
that  which  was  worst  of  all,  Tydeus,  one  of  the  captaines, 
stowtely  commaunded  him  to  get  him  awaye,  as  one  that 
had  nothing  to  doe  with  the  matter,  and  that  other  had 
charge  of  the  armie.  Whereupon  Alcibiades  fearing  they 
would  purpose  some  treason  against  him,  dyd  departe  pre- 
sently from  them.  And  as  he  went  his  waye,  he  sayed  to 
some  of  his  friendes  which  accompanied  him  out  of  the 
campe  at  his  returne  : that  if  the  captaines  of  the  Athenians 
had  not  bene  so  rounde  with  him,  he  would  have  forced  the 
Lacedaemonians  to  have  come  to  the  battell  in  despight  of 
their  beardes,  or  els  he  would  have  driven  them  to  forsake 
their  shippes.  Some  tooke  this  for  a glorious  bragge : other 
thought  he  was  like  enough  to  have  done  it,  bicause  he  could 
have  brought  from  lande  a great  number  of  Thracians,  both 
archers  and  horsemen,  with  whom  he  might  have  geven  a 
charge  upon  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  done  great  mischief 
unto  their  campe.  But  now,  how  wisely  Alcibiades  dyd 
foresee  the  faultes  he  tolde  the  Athenians  captaines  of:  their 
great  misfortune  and  losse  that  followed  incontinently,  did 
to  plainely  witnesse  it  to  the  worlde.  For  Lysander  came 
so  fiercely  apon  them  on  a sodaine,  that  of  all  the  shippes 
they  had  in  their  whole  fleete,  only  eight  gallyes  were  saved, 
with  whom  Conon  fled : and  the  other  being  not  much  lesse 
then  two  hundred  in  number,  were  every  one  of  them  taken 
and  caried  awaye,  with  three  thousand  prisoners  whom 
Lysander  put  to  death.  Shortely  after,  he  tooke  the  cittie 
self  of  Athens,  and  rased  their  long  walles  even  to  the 
ground.  After  this  great  and  notable  victorie,  Alcibiades 
fearing  sore  the  Lacedaemonians,  who  then  without  let  or 
interruption  of  any,  were  only  Lords  and  Princes  by  sea  and 
by  lande  : he  went  into  the  countrie  of  Bithynia,  and  caused 
great  good  to  be  brought  after  him,  and  tooke  a marvelous 
sum  me  of  money  with  him,  besides  great  riches  he  left  also  in 
the  castells  of  Thracia,  where  he  dyd  remaine  before.  How- 
beit  he  lost  much  of  his  goodes  in  Bithynia,  which  certaine 
Thracians  dwelling  in  that  countrie  had  robbed  him  of,  and 
taken  from  him.  So  he  determined  to  repaire  forthwith 
unto  king  Artaxerxes,  hoping  that  when  the  King  had  once 
140 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

proved  him,  he  should  finde  him  a man  of  no  lesse  service, 
then  he  had  found  Themistocles  before  him  : besides  that 
the  occasion  of  his  going  thither,  should  be  muche  juster  then 
his  was.  For  he  dyd  not  goe  thither,  to  make  warre  against 
the  cittie  of  Athens  and  his  countrie,  as  Themistocles  did  : 
but  of  a contrarie  intent,  to  make  intercession  to  the  King, 
that  it  would  please  him  to  ayde  them.  Now  Alcibiades 
thinking  he  could  use  no  better  meane,  then  Phamabazus 
helpe  only,  to  see  him  safely  conducted  to  the  Kings  courte  : 
he  proposed  his  jorney  to  him,  into  the  countrie  of  Phrygia, 
where  he  abode  a certaine  time  to  attend  upon  him,  and  was 
very  honorably  entertained  and  receyved  of  Pharnabazus. 
All  this  while  the  Athenians  founde  them  selves  desolate, 
and  in  miserable  state  to  see  their  empire  lost : but  then 
much  more,  when  Lysander  had  taken  all  their  liberties,  and 
dyd  set  thirtie  governours  over  their  cittie.  Now  to  late, 
after  all  was  lost  (where  they  might  have  recovered  againe, 
if  they  had  been  wise)  they  beganne  together  to  bewaile  and 
lament  their  miseries  and  wretched  state,  looking  backe  apon 
all  their  wilfull  faultes  and  follies  committed  : emong  which, 
they  dyd  reckon  their  second  time  of  falling  out  with 
Alcibiades,  was  their  greatest  faulte.  So  they  banished  him 
only  of  malice  and  displeasure,  not  for  any  offense  him  selfe  in 
persone  had  committed  against  them,  saving  that  his  lieuten- 
aunt  in  his  absence  had  shamefully  lost  a fewe  of  their 
shippes  : and  they  them  selves  more  shamefully  had  driven 
out  of  their  cittie,  the  noblest  souldier,  and  most  skilfull 
captaine  that  they  had.  And  yet  they  had  some  litle  poore 
hope  lefte,  that  they  were  not  altogether  cast  awaye,  so  long 
as  Alcibiades  lived,  and  had  his  health.  For  before,  when 
he  was  a forsaken  man,  and  led  a banished  life : yet  he 
could  not  live  idely,  and  doe  nothing.  Wherefore  now  much 
more,  sayed  they  to  them  selves  : if  there  be  any  helpe  at  all, 
he  will  not  suffer  out  of  doubt  the  insolencie  and  pryde  of 
the  Lacedaemonians,  nor  yet  abyde  the  cruelties  and  outrages 
of  these  thirtie  tyrauntes.  And  surely  the  common  people 
had  some  reason  to  have  these  thoughts  in  their  heades, 
considering  that  the  thirtie  governours  them  selves  dyd 
what  they  could  possiblie  to  spye  out  Alcibiades  doinges,  and 

141 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


Lysander  ap- 
pointed 30 
tyrannes  over 
the  cittizens 
of  Athens. 

To  late  re- 
pentaunce  of 
the  Athen- 
ians. 


ALCIBIA- 

DES 


The  Lacedae- 
monians will 
Lysander  to 
kill  Alcibia- 
des. 


Alcibiades 
dreame  in 
Phrygia  be- 
fore his  death. 


Alcibiades 

death. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

what  he  went  about.  In  so  muche  as  Critias  at  the  last, 
declared  to  Lysander,  that  so  long  the  Lacedaemonians  might 
reckon  them  selves  Lordes  over  all  Greece,  as  they  kept 
from  the  common  people  the  rule  and  authoritie  of  the 
cittie  of  Athens.  And  further  he  added,  that  notwithstand- 
ing the  people  of  Athens  could  well  awaye  to  live  like 
subjects  under  the  government  of  a fewe : yet  Alcibiades 
whilest  he  lived,  would  never  suffer  them  so  to  be  reigned 
over,  but  would  attempt  by  all  devise  he  could  to  bring  a 
chaunge  and  innovation  emong  them.  Yet  Lysander  would 
not  credit  these  persuasions,  before  speciall  commandement 
was  sent  to  him  from  the  Senate  of  Lacedaemon,  upon  his 
allegiaunce,  that  he  should  devise  to  kill  Alcibiades  by  all 
meanes  he  could  procure : either  bicause  in  trothe  they 
feared  the  subtiltie  of  his  wit,  and  the  greatnes  of  his  corage, 
to  enterprise  matters  of  great  weight  and  daunger,  or  els 
that  they  sought  to  gratifie  king  Agis  by  it.  Lysander 
being  thus  straightly  commaunded,  dyd  send  and  practise 
incontinently  with  Pharnabazus  to  execute  the  facte  : who 
gave  his  brother  Magaeus,  and  his  uncle  Susamithres,  com- 
mission to  attempt  the  matter.  Now  was  Alcibiades  in  a 
certen  village  of  Phrygia,  with  a concubine  of  his  called 
Timandra.  So  he  thought  he  dreamed  one  night  that  he 
had  put  on  his  concubines  apparell,  and  how  she  dandling 
him  in  her  armes,  had  dressed  his  head,  friseling  his  heare, 
and  painted  his  face,  as  he  had  bene  a woman.  Other  saye, 
that  he  thought  Magaeus  strake  his  head,  and  made  his  bodie 
to  be  burnt : and  the  voyce  goeth,  this  vision  was  but  a litle 
before  his  death.  Those  that  were  sent  to  kill  him,  durst 
not  enter  the  house  where  he  was,  but  set  it  a fire  round 
about.  Alcibiades  spying  the  fire,  got  suche  apparell  and 
hanginges  as  he  had,  and  threwe  it  on  the  fire,  thincking  to 
have  put  it  out : and  so  casting  his  cloke  about  his  left  arme, 
tooke  his  naked  sworde  in  his  other  hande,  and  ranne  out  of 
the  house,  him  selfe  not  once  touched  with  fyer,  saving  his 
clothes  were  a litle  singed.  These  murderers  so  sone  as  they 
spied  him,  drewe  backe,  and  stoode  a sonder,  and  durst  not 
one  of  them  come  neere  him,  to  stande  and  fight  with  him  : 
but  a farre  of,  they  bestowed  so  many  arrowes  and  dartes 
142 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

of  him,  that  they  killed  him  there.  Now  when  they  had  ALCIBIA- 
left  him,  Timandra  went  and  tooke  his  bodie  which  she  DES 
wrapped  up  in  the  best  linnen  she  had,  and  buried  him  as  Timandra 
honorably  as  she  could  possible,  with  suche  things  as  she  had,  the  curtisan 
and  could  get  together.  Some  holde  opinion  that  Lais,  the  C1' 

only  famous  curtisan,  which  they  saye  was  of  Corinthe 
(though  in  deede  she  was  borne  in  a litle  towne  of  Sicilia,  Lais  a cur- 
called  Hyccara,  where  she  was  taken)  was  his  doughter.  Not-  of 
withstanding,  touching  the  death  of  Alcibiades,  there  Corinthe. 
are  some  that  agree  to  all  the  rest  I have  written, 
saving  that  they  saye,  it  was  neither  Pharnabazus,  nor 
Lysander,  nor  the  Lacedaemonians,  which  caused  him 
to  be  slaine : but  that  he  keeping  with  him  a young 
gentlewoman  of  a noble  house,  whom  he  had  stolen  awaye, 
and  intised  to  follie ; her  brethern  to  revenge  this 
injurie,  went  to  set  fire  upon  the  house  where  he 
was,  and  that  they  killed  him  as  we  have  tolde 
you,  thinking  to  leape  out  of  the  fyre. 

THE  ENDE  OF  ALCIBIADES  LIFE 


THE  LIFE  OF 

CAIUS  MARTIUS  CORIOLANUS 

HE  house  of  the  Martians  at  Rome  was 
of  the  number  of  the  Patricians,  out  of 
the  which  hath  sprong  many  noble  per- 
sonages : whereof  Ancus  Martius  was  one, 
king  Numaes  daughters  sonne,  who  was 
king  of  Rome  after  Tullus  Hostilius.  Of 
the  same  house  were  Publius,  and  Quintus, 
who  brought  Rome  their  best  water  they 
had  by  conducts.  Censorinus  also  came  of  that  familie,  that 
was  so  surnamed,  bicause  the  people  had  chosen  him  Censor 
twise.  Through  whose  persuasion  they  made  a lawe,  that  no 
man  from  thenceforth  might  require,  or  enjoye  the  Censor- 
shippe  twise.  Caius  Martius,  whose  life  we  intend  now  to 

143 


The  familie  of 
the  Martians. 


Publius  and 
Quintus  Mar- 
tius, brought 
the  water  by 
conducts  to 
Rome. 


Censorinus 

lawe. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


Coriolanus 

wit. 


V 


The  benefit  of 
learning. 


V 

What  this 
worde  Virtus 
signifieth. 


write,  being  left  an  orphan  by  his  father,  was  brought  up 
under  his  mother  a widowe,  who  taught  us  by  experience, 
that  orphanage  bringeth  many  discommodities  to  a childe, 
but  doth  not  hinder  him  to  become  an  honest  man,  and  to 
excell  in  vertue  above  the  common  sorte  : as  they  are  meanely 
borne,  wrongfully  doe  complayne,  that  it  is  the  occasion  of 
their  casting  awaye,  for  that  no  man  in  their  youth  taketh 
any  care  of  them  to  see  them  well  brought  up,  and  taught 
that  were  meete.  This  man  also  is  a good  proofe  to  confirme 
some  mens  opinions.  That  a rare  and  excellent  witte  un- 
taught, doth  bring  forth  many  good  and  evill  things  to- 
gether : like  as  a fat  soile  bringeth  forth  herbes  and  weedes 
that  lieth  unmanured.  For  this  Martius  naturall  wit  and 
great  harte  dyd  marvelously  sturre  up  his  corage,  to  doe 
and  attempt  notable  actes.  But  on  the  other  side  for  lacke 
of  education,  he  was  so  chollericke  and  impacient,  that  he 
would  yeld  to  no  living  creature  : which  made  him  churlishe, 
uncivil!,  and  altogether  unfit  for  any  mans  conversation. 
Yet  men  marveling  much  at  his  constancy,  that  he  was 
never  overcome  with  pleasure,  nor  money,  and  ho  we  he 
would  endure  easely  all  manner  of  paynes  and  travailles : 
thereupon  they  well  liked  and  commended  his  stowtnes  and 
temperancie.  But  for  all  that,  they  could  not  be  acquainted 
wifhrhim,  as  one  cittizen  useth  to  be  with  another  in  the 
cittie.  His  behaviour  was  so  unpleasaunt  to  them,  by  reason 
of  a certaine  insolent  and  sterne  manner  he  had,  which 
bicause  it  was  to'lpjcdly,  was  disliked.  And  to  saye  truely, 
the  greatest  benefit  that  learning  bringeth  men  unto,  is  this  : 
that  it  teacheth  men  that  be  rude  and  rough  of  nature,  by 
compasse  and  rule  of  reason,  to  be  civill  and  curteous,  and 
to  like  better  the  meane  state,  then  the  higher.  Now  in 
those  dayes,  valliantnes  was  honoured  in  Rome  above  all 
other  vertues:  which  they  called  Virtus , by  the  name  of 
vertue  selfe,  as  including  in  that  generall  name,  all  other 
speciall  vertues  besides.  So  that  Virtus  in  the  Latin,  was 
asmuche  as  valliantnes.  But  Martius  being  more  inclined 
to  the  warres,  then  any  other  gentleman  of  his  time  : be- 
ganne  from  his  Childehood  to  geve  him  self  to  handle 
weapons,  and  day  lie  dyd  exercise  him  selfe  therein.  And 
144 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

outward  he  esteemed  armour  to  no  purpose,  unles  one  were  CORIO- 

naturally  armed  within.  Moreover  he  dyd  so  exercise  his  LANUS 

bodie  to  hardnes,  and  all  kynde  of  activitie,  that  he  was  very 

swift  in  ronning,  strong  in  wrestling,  and  mightie  in  griping, 

so  that  no  man  could  ever  cast  him.  In  so  much  as  those 

that  would  trye  masteries  with  him  for  strength  and  nimble- 

nes,  would  saye  when  they  were  overcome  : that  all  was  by 

reason  of  his  naturall  strength,  and  hardnes  of  warde,  that 

never  yelded  to  any  payne  or  toyle  he  tooke  apon  him.  The 

first  time  he  went  to  the  warres,  being  but  a strippling,  was  Coriolanus 

when  Tarquine  surnamed  the  prowde  (that  had  bene  king  fi*st  g°in£? to 

of  Rome,  and  was  driven  out  for  his  pride,  after  many  ewarreb- 

attemptes  made  by  sundrie  bat  tells  to  come  in  again  e, 

wherein  he  was  ever  overcome)  dyd  come  to  Rome  with  all 

the  ayde  of  the  Latines,  and  many  other  people  of  Italie : 

even  as  it  were  to  set  up  his  whole  rest  apon  a battell  by 

them,  who  with  a great  and  mightie  armie  had  undertaken 

to  put  him  into  his  Kingdome  againe,  not  so  much  to  pleasure 

him,  as  to  overthrowe  the  power  of  the  Romaines,  whose  great- 

nes  they  both  feared  and  envied.  In  this  battell,  wherein 

were  many  hotte  and  sharpe  encounters  of  either  partie, 

Martius  valliantly  fought  in  the  sight  of  the  Dictator : and 

a Romaine  souldier  being  throwen  to  the  ground  even  hard 

by  him,  Martius  straight  bestrid  him,  and  slue  the  enemie 

with  his  owne  handes  that  had  before  overthrowen  the 

Romaine.  Hereupon,  after  the  battell  was  wonne,  the 

Dictator  dyd  not  forget  so  noble  an  acte,  and  therefore  first 

of  all  he  crowned  Martius  with  a garland  of  oken  boughs,  fcoriolanus 

For  whosoever  saveth  the  life  a Romaine,  it  is  a manner,  crowned  with 

among  them,  to  honour  him  with  such  a garland.  This 

was,  either  bicause  the  lawe  dyd  this  honour  to  the  oke,  in  0 ® 

favour  of  the  Arcadians,  who  by  the  oracle  of  Apollo  were 

in  very  olde  time  called  eaters  of  akornes ; or  els  bicause 

the  souldiers  might  easely  in  every  place  come  by  oken 

boughes  : or  lastely,  bicause  they  thought  it  very  necessarie 

to  geve  him  that  had  saved  a cittizens  life,  a crowne  of  this 

tree  to  honour  him,  being  properly  dedicated  unto  Iupiter, 

the  patron  and  protectour  of  their  citties,  and  thought 

amongest  other  wilde  trees  to  bring  forth  a profitable  fruite, 

2 : T 145 


CORIO- 

LANUS 

The  goodnes 
of  the  oke. 


To  soden 
honor  in 
youth  killeth 
further  desier 
of  fame. 


Coriolanus 
noble  endev 
our  to  con- 
tinue well 
deserving. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

and  of  plantes  to  be  the  strongest.  Moreover,  men  at  the 
first  beginning  dyd  use  akornes  for  their  bread,  and  honie 
for  their  drincke : and  further,  the  oke  dyd  feede  their 
beastes,  and  geve  them  birdes,  by  taking  glue  from  the 
okes,  with  the  which  they  made  birdlime  to  catche  seely 
birdes.  They  saye  that  Castor,  and  Pollux,  appeared  in  this 
battell,  and  how  incontinently  after  the  battell,  men  sawe 
them  in  the  market  place  at  Rome,  all  their  horses  being 
on  a white  fome  : and  they  were  the  first  that  brought  newes 
of  the  victorie,  even  in  the  same  place,  where  remaineth  at 
this  present  a temple  built  in  the  honour  of  them  neere  unto 
the  fountaine.  And  this  is  the  cause,  why  the  daye  of  this 
victorie  (which  was  the  fiftenth  of  Iulye)  is  consecrated  yet 
to  this  daye  unto  Castor  and  Pollux.  Moreover  it  is  daylie 
seene,  that  honour  and  reputation  lighting  on  young  men 
before  their  time,  and  before  they  have  no  great  corage  by 
nature : the  desire  to  winne  more,  dieth  straight  in  them, 
which  easely  happeneth,  the  same  having  no  deepe  roote 
in  them  before.  Where  contrariwise,  the  first  honour  that 
valliant  mindes  doe  come  unto,  doth  quicken  up  their 
appetite,  hasting  them  forward  as  with  force  of  winde,  to 
enterprise  things  of  highe  /'deserving  praise.  For  they 
esteeme,  not  to  receave  reward  for  service  done,  but  rather 
take  it  for  a remembraunce  and  encoragement,  to  make  them 
doe  better  in  time  to  come  : and  be  ashamed  also  to  cast, 
their  honour  at  their  heeles,  not  seeking  to  increase  it  still 
by  like  deserte  of  worthie  valliant  dedes.  This  desire  being 
bred  in  Martius,  he  strained  still  to  passe  him  selfe  in  man-'  r 
lines : and  being  desirous  to  shewe  a daylie  increase  of  his 
valliantnes,  his  noble  service  dyd  still  advaunce  his  fame,* 
bringing  in  spoyles  apon  spoyles  from  the  enemie.  Where- 
upon, the  captaines  that  came  afterwards  (for  envie  of  them 
that  went  before)  dyd  contend  who  should  most  honour  him, 
and  who  should  beare  most  honorable  testimonie  of  his 
valliantnes.  In  so  much  the  Romaines  having  many  warres 
and  battells  in  those  dayes,  Coriolanus  was  at  them  all : 
and  there  was  not  a battell  fought,  from  whence  he  returned 
not  without  some  rewarde  of  honour.  And  as  for  other, 
the  only  respect  that  made  them  valliant,  was  they  hoped 
146 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

to  have  honour  : but  touching  Marti  us,  the  only  thing  that  CORIO- 

made  him  to  love  honour,  was  the  joye  he  sawe  his  mother  LANUS 

dyd  take  of  him.  For  he  thought  nothing  made  him  so 
happie  and  honorable,  as  that  his  mother  might  heare  every 
bodie  praise  and  commend  him,  that  she  might  allwayes  see 
him  returne  with  a crowne  upon  his  head,  and  that  she 
might  still  embrace  him  with  teares  ronning  downe  her 
cheekes  for  joye.  Which  desire  they  saye  Epaminondas  dyd  Coriolanus 
avowe,  and  confesse  to  have  bene  in  him : as  to  thinke  him  and  Epami- 
selfe  a most  happie  and  blessed  man,  that  his  father  and 
mother  in  their  life  time  had  seene  the  victorie  he  wanne  in  their  desire 
the  plaine  of  Leuctres.  Now  as  for  Epaminondas,  he  had  of  honour 
this  good  happe,  to  have  his  father  and  mother  living,  to  alike, 
be  partakers  of  his  joye  and  prosperitie.  But  Martius  think-? — » 
ing  all  due  to  his  mother,  that  had  bene  also  due  to  his  The  obedi- 
father  if  he  had  lived : dyd  not  only  content  him  selfe  to  ence  Corio- 
rejoyce  and  honour  her,  but  at  her  desire  tooke  a wife  also,  his 

by  whom  he  hacLtwo  children,  and  yet  never  left  his  mothers 
house  therefore.  Now  he  being  growen  to  great  credit  and 
authoritie  in  Rome  for  his  valliantnes,  it  fortuned  there 
grewe  sedition  in  the  cittie,  bicause  the  Senate  dyd  favour . 
the  riche  against  the  people,  who  dyd  com  plaine  of  the  sore  I 
oppression  of  userers,  of  whom  they  borowed  money.  For  Extremitie  of 
those  that  had  litle,  were  yet  spoyled  of  that  litle  they  had  userers  com- 
by  their  creditours,  for  lacke  of  abilitie  to  paye  the  userie  : ^ ® ^ 

who  offered  their  goodes  to  be  solde,  to  them  that  would  pe0pie. 
geve  most.  And  suche  as  had  nothing  left,  their  bodies  were 
layed  holde  of,  and  they  were  made  their  bonde  men,  not- 
withstanding all  the  woundes  and  cuttes  they  shewed,  which 
they  had  receyved  in  many  battells,  fighting  for  defence  of 
their  countrie  and  common  wealth : of  the  which,  the  last 
warre  they  made,  was  against  the  Sabynes,  wherein  they 
fought  apon  the  promise  the  riche  men  had  made  them, 
that  from  thenceforth  they  would  intreate  them  more  gently,  Counsellers 
and  also  upon  the  worde  of  Marcus  Valerius  chief  of  the 
Senate,  who  by  authoritie  of  the  counsell,  and  in  the  behalfe  vaiiiant  jn 
of  the  riche,  sayed  they  should  performe  that  they  had  pro-  hope  of  just 
mised.  But  after  that  they  had  faithfully  served  in  this  performance, 
last  battell  of  all,  where  they  overcame  their  enemies,  seeing 

147 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


Ingratitude, 
and  good 
service  unre- 
warded, pro- 
voketh  rebel- 
lion. 


Martius 
Coriolanus 
against 
the  people. 


The  people 
leave  the 
cittie  and  doe 
goe  to  the 
holy  hill. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

they  were  never  a whit  the  better,  nor  more  gently  intreated, 
and  that  the  Senate  would  geve  no  eare  to  them,  but  make 
as  though  they  had  forgotten  their  former  promise,  and 
suffered  them  to  be  made  slaves  and  bonde  men  to  their 
creditours,  and  besides,  to  be  turned  out  of  all  that  ever 
they  had  : they  fell  then  even  to  flat  rebellion  and  mutine, 
and  to  sturre  up  daungerous  tumultes  within  the  cittie.  The 
Romaines  enemies  hearing  of  this  rebellion,  dyd  straight 
enter  the  territories  of  Rome  with  a marvelous  great  power, 
spoyling  and  burning  all  as  they  came.  Whereupon  the 
Senate  immediatly  made  open  proclamation  by  sounde  of 
trumpet,  that  all  those  which  were  of  lawfull  age  to  carie 
weapon,  should  come  and  enter  their  names  into  the  muster 
masters  booke,  to  goe  to  the  warres : but  no  man  obeyed 
their  commaundement.  Whereupon  their  chief  magistrates, 
and  many  of  the  Senate,  beganne  to  be  of  divers  opinions 
emong  them  selves.  For  some  thought  it  was  reason,  they 
should  somewhat  yeld  to  the  poore  peoples  request,  and 
that  they  should  a litle  qualifie  the  severitie  of  the  lawe. 
Other  held  hard  against  that  opinion,  and  that  was  Martius 
for  one.  For  he  alleaged,  that  the  creditours  losing  their 
money  they  had  lent,  was  not  the  worst  thing  that  was 
thereby:  but  that  the  lenitie  that  was  favored,  was  a 
beginning  of  disobedience,  and  that  the  prowde  attempi>of 
the  communaltie,  was  to  abolish  lawe,  and  to  bring  all  to 
confusion.  Therefore  he  sayed,  if  the  Senate  were  wise, 
they  should  betimes  prevent,  and  quenche  this  ill  favored 
and  worse  ment  beginning.  The  Senate  met  many  dayes 
in  consultation  about  it : but  in  the  end  they  concluded 
nothing.  The  poore  common  people  seeing  no  redresse, 
gathered  them  selves  one  daye  together,  and  one  encorag- 
ing  another,  they  all  forsooke  the  cittie,  and  encamped 
them  selves  upon  a hill,  called  at  this  daye  the  holy  hill, 
alongest  the  river  of  Tyber,  offering  no  creature  any  hurte 
or  violence,  or  making  any  shewe  of  actuall  rebellion  : saving 
that  they  cried  as  they  went  up  and  down,  that  the  riche 
men  had  driven  them  out  of  the  cittie,  and  that  all  Italie 
through  they  should  finde  ayer,  water,  and  ground  to  burie 
them  in.  Moreover,  they  sayed,  to  dwell  at  Rome  was 
148 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

nothing  els  but  to  be  slaine,  or  hurte  with  continuall  warres, 
and  fighting  for  defence  of  the  riche  mens  goodes.  The 
Senate  being  afeard  of  their  departure,  dyd  send  unto  them 
certaine  of  the  pleasauntest  olde  men,  and  the  most  accept- 
able to  the  people  among  them.  Of  those,  ]M[enenius 
Agrippa  was  he,  who  was  sent  for  chief  man  of  the  message 
from  the  Senate.  He,  after  many  good  persuasions  and 
gentle  requestes  made  to  the  people,  on  the  behalfe  of  the 
Senate : knit  up  his  oration  in  the  ende,  with  a notable  tale, 
in  this  manner.  That  on  a time  all  the  members  of  mans 
bodie,  dyd  rebell  against  the  bellie,  complaining  of  it,  that 
it  only  remained  in  the  middest  of  the  bodie,  without  doing 
any  thing,  neither  dyd  beare  any  labour  to  the  maintenaunce 
of  the  rest : whereas  all  other  partes  and  members  dyd 
labour  paynefully,  and  was  very  carefull  to  satisfie  the 
appetites  and  desiers  of  the  bodie.  And  so  the  bellie,  all 
this  notwithstanding,  laughed  at  their  follie,  and  sayed  : It 
is  true,  I first  receyve  all  meates  that  norishe  mans  bodie : 
but  afterwardes  I send  it  againe  to  the  norishement  of  other 
partes  of  the  same.  Even  so  (quoth  he)  O you,  my  masters, 
and  cittizens  of  Rome : the  reason  is  a like  betweene  the 
Senate,  and  you.  For  matters  being  well  digested,  and  their 
counsells  throughly  examined,  touching  the  benefit  of  the 
common  wealth  : the  Senatours  are  cause  of  the  common 
commoditie  that  commeth  unto  every  one  of  you.  These  per- 
suasions pacified  the  people,  conditionally,  that  the  Senate 
would  graunte  there  should  be  yerely  chosen  five  magistrates, 
which  they  now  call  Tribuni  Plebis , whose  office  should  be 
to  defend  the  poore  people  from  violence  and  oppression. 
So  Iunius  Brutus,  and  Sicinius  Vellutus,  were  the  first 
Tribunes  of  the  people  that  were  chosen,  who  had  only  bene 
the  causers  and  procurers  of  this  sedition.  Hereupon  the 
cittie  being  growen  againe  to  good  quiet  and  unitie,  the 
people  immediatly  went  to  the  warres,  shewing  that  they 
had  a good  will  to  doe  better  then  ever  they  dyd,  and  to 
be  very  willing  to  obey  the  magistrates  in  that  they  would 
commaund,  concerning  the  warres.  Martius  also,  though 
it  liked  him  nothing  to  see  the  greatnes  qf  the  people  thus 
increased,  considering  it  was  to  the  prejudice,  and  imbasing 

149 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


An  excellent 
tale  tolde  by 
Menenius 
Agrippa  to 
pacifie  the 
people. 


The  first  be- 
ginning of 
Tribuni 
plebis. 

Iunius  Bru- 
tus, Sicinius 
Vellutus,  the 
2 first  tri- 
bunes. 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


V 

The  cittie  of 
Corioles  be- 
sieged by  the 
Consul  Comi- 
nius. 


Titus  Lartius, 
a valiiant 
Romaine. 


The  propertie 
of  a souldier. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

of  the  nobilitie,  and  also  sawe  that  other  noble  Patricians 
were  troubled  as  well  as  him  selfe:  he  dyd  persuade  the 
Patricians,  to  shew  them  selves  no  lesse  forward  and  willing 
to  fight  for  their  countrie,  then  the  common  people  were : 
and  to  let  them  knowe  by  their  dedes  and  actes,  that  they 
dyd  not  so  muche  passe  the  people  in  power  and  riches,  as 
they  dyd  exceede  them  in  true  nobilitie  and  valliantnes.  In 
the  countrie  of  the  Volsces,  against  whom  the  Romaines 
made  warre  at  that  time,  there  was  a principall  cittie  and 
of  most  fame,  that  was  called  Corioles,  before  the  which  the 
Consul  Cominius  dyd  laye  seige.  Wherefore  all  the  other 
Volsces  fearing  least  that  cittie  should  be  taken  by  assault, 
they  came  from  all  partes  of  the  countrie  to  save  it,  entend- 
ing  to  geve  the  Romaines  battell  before  the  cittie,  and 
to  geve  an  onset  on  them  in  two  severall  places.  The 
Consul  Cominius  understanding  this,  devided  his  armie  also 
in  two  partes,  and  taking  the  one  parte  with  him  selfe,  he 
marched  towards  them  that  were  drawing  to  the  cittie,  out 
of  the  countrie : and  the  other  parte  of  his  armie  he  left  in 
the  campe  with  Titus  Lartius  (one  of  the  valliantest  men 
the  Romaines  had  at  that  time)  to  resist  those  that  would 
make  any  salye  out  of  the  cittie  apon  them.  So  the  Corio- 
lans  making  small  accompt  of  them  that  laye  in  campe  before 
the  cittie,  made  a salye  out  apon  them,  in  the  which  at  the 
first  the  Coriolans  had  the  better,  and  drave  the  Romaines 
backe  againe  into  the  trenches  of  their  campe.  But  Martius 
being  there  at  that  time,  ronning  out  of  the  campe  with  a 
fewe  men  with  him,  he  slue  the  first  enemies  he  met  withall, 
and  made  the  rest  of  them  staye  upon  a sodaine,  crying  out 
to  the  Romaines  that  had  turned  their  backes,  and  calling 
them  againe  to  fight  with  a lowde  voyce.  For  he  was  even 
such  another,  as  Cato  would  have  a souldier  and  a captaine 
to  be : not  only  terrible,  and  fierce  to  laye  about  him,  but 
to  make  the  enemie  afeard  with  the  sounde  of  his  voyce, 
and  grimnes  of  his  countenaunce.  Then  there  flocked  about 
him  immediatly,  a great  number  of  Romaines : whereat 
the  enemies  were  so  afeard,  that  they  gave  backe  presently. 
But  Martius  not  staying  so,  dyd  chase  and  followe  them  to 
their  owne  gates,  that  fled  for  life.  And  there,  perceyving 
150 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

that  the  Romaines  retired  backe,  for  the  great  number  of  CORIO- 

dartes  and  arrowes  which  flewe  about  their  eares  from  the  LANDS 

walles  of  the  cittie,  and  that  there  was  not  one  man  amongest 
them  that  durst  venter  him  selfe  to  followe  the  flying  enemies 
into  the  cittie,  for  that  it  was  full  of  men  of  warre,  very  well 
armed,  and  appointed  : he  dyd  encorage  his  fellowes  with 
wordes  and  dedes,  crying  out  to  them,  that  fortune  had 
opened  the  gates  of  the  cittie,  more  for  the  followers,  then  the 
flyers.  But  all  this  notwithstanding,  fewe  had  the  hartes  to 
followe  him.  Howbeit  Martius  being  in  the  throng  emong 
the  enemies,  thrust  him  selfe  into  the  gates  of  the  cittie,  and 
entred  the  same  emong  them  that  fled,  without  that  any  one 
of  them  durst  at  the  first  turne  their  face  upon  him,  or  els 
offer  to  staye  him.  But  he  looking  about  him,  and  seeing 
he  was  entred  the  cittie  with  very  fewe  men  to  helpe  himj 
and  perceyving  he  was  environned  by  his  enemies  that1 
gathered  round  about  to  set  apon  him : dyd  things  then  as  ( 
it  is  written,  wonderfull  and  incredible,  aswell  for  the  force  ^ 
of  his  hande,  as  also  for  the  agillitie  of  his  bodie,  and  with  a 
wonderfull  corage  and  valliantnes,  he  made  a lane  through 
the  middest  of  them,  and  overthrewe  also  those  he  layed  at : 
that  some'he  made  ronne  to  the  furthest  parte  of  the  cittie, 
and  other  for  feare  he  made  yeld  them  selves,  and  to  let  fall 
their  weapons  before  him.  By  this  meanes,  Lartius  that 
was  gotten  out,  had  some  leysure  to  bring  the  Romaines  with 
more  safety  into  the  cittie.  The  cittie  being  taken  in  this  The  cittie 
sorte,  the  most  parte  of  the  souldiers  beganne  incontinently  of  Corioles 
to  spoyle,  to  carie  awaye,  and  to  looke  up  the  bootie  they  taken. 
had  wonne.  But  Martius  was  marvelous  angry  with  them, 
and  cried  out  on  them,  that  it  was  no  time  now  to  looke 
after  spoyle,  and  to  ronne  straggling  here  and  there  to 
enriche  them  selves,  whilest  the  other  Consul  and  their 
fellowe  cittizens  peradventure  were  fighting  with  their 
enemies : and  howe  that  leaving  the  spoyle  they  should 
seeke  to  winde  them  selves  out  of  daunger  and  perill.  How- 
beit, crie,  and  saye  to  them  what  he  could,  very  fewe  of  them 
would  hearken  to  him.  Wherefore  taking  those  that  will- 
ingly offered  them  selves  to  followe  him,  he  went  out  of  the 
cittie,  and  tooke  his  waye  towardes  that  parte,  where  he 

151 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


Souldiers 

testaments. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

understoode  the  rest  of  the  armie  was : exhorting  and 
intreating  them  by  the  waye  that  followed  him,  not  to  be 
fainte  harted,  and  ofte  holding  up  his  handes  to  heaven,  he 
besought  the  goddes  to  be  so  gracious  and  favorable  unto 
him,  that  he  might  come  in  time  to  the  battell,  and  in  good 
hower  to  hazarde  his  life  in  defence  of  his  country  men. 
Now  the  Romaines  when  they  were  put  in  battell  raye,  and 
ready  to  take  their  targettes  on  their  armes,  and  to  guirde 
them  upon  their  arming  coates,  had  a custome  to  make  their 
Iwilles  at  that  very  instant,  without  any  manner  of  writing, 
naming  him  only  whom  they  would  make  their  heire,  in  the 
presence  of  three  or  foure  witnesses.  Marti  us  came  just  to ; 
that  reckoning,  whilest  the  souldiers  were  a doing  after  that 
sorte,  and  that  the  enemies  were  approched  so  neere,  as  on ej 
stoode  in  viewe  of  the  other.  When  they  sawe  him  at  his  first 
comming,  all  bloody,  and  in  a swet,  and  but  with  a fewe  men 
following  him : some  thereupon  beganne  to  be  afeard.  But 
sone  after,  when  they  sawe  him  ronne  with  a lively  cheere  to 
the  Consul  and  to  take  him  by  the  hande,  declaring  howe  he 
had  taken  the  cittie  of  Corioles,  and  that  they  sawe  the  Consul 
Cominius  also  kisse  and  embrace  him  : then  there  was  not  a 
man  but  tooke  harte  againe  to  him,  and  beganne  to  be  of  a 
good  corage,  some  hearing  him  reporte  from  poynte  to  poynte, 
the  happy  successe  of  this  exployte,  and  other  also  conjectur- 
ing it  by  seeing  their  gestures  a farre  of.  Then  they  all 
beganne  to  call  upon  the  Consul  to  marche  forward,  and 
to  delaye  no  lenger,  but  to  geve  charge  upon  the  enemie. 
Martius  asked  him  howe  the  order  of  their  enemies  battell 
was,  and  on  which  side  they  had  placed  their  best  fighting 
ByCoriolanus  men.  The  Consul  made  him  aunswer,  that  he  thought 
meanes,  the  the  bandes  which  were  in  the  voward  of  their  battell, 
were  those  of  the  Antiates,  whom  they  esteemed  to  be 
the  warlikest  men,  and  which  for  valliant  corage  would 
geve  no  place,  to  any  of  the  hoste  of  their  enemies.  Then 
prayed  Martius,  to  be  set  directly  against  them.  The 
Consul  graunted  him,  greatly  praysing  his  corage.  Then 
Martius,  when  both  armies  came  almost  to  joyne,  advaunced 
him  selfe  a good  space  before  his  companie,  and  went  so 
fiercely  to  geve  charge  on  the  voward  that  came  right  against 
152 


Volsci  were 
overcome  in 
battell. 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

him,  that  they  could  stande  no  lenger  in  his  handes : he 
made  suche  a lane  through  them,  and  opened  a passage  into 
the  battell  of  the  enemies.  But  the  two  winges  of  either 
side  turned  one  to  the  other,  to  compasse  him  in  betweene 
them : which  the  Consul  Cominius  perceyving,  he  sent 
thither  straight  of  the  best  souldiers  he  had  about  him.  So 
the  battell  was  marvelous  bloudie  about  Martius,  and  in  a 
very  shorte  space  many  were  slaine  in  the  place.  But  in  the 
ende  the  Romaines  were  so  strong,  that  they  distressed  the 
enemies,  and  brake  their  arraye  : and  scattering  them,  made 
them  flye.  Then  they  prayed  Martius  that  he  would  retire 
to  the  campe,  bicause  they  sawe  he  was  able  to  doe  no  more, 
he  was  already  so  wearied  with  the  great  payne  he  had 
taken,  and  so  fainte  with  the  great  woundes  he  had  apon, 
him.  But  Martius  aunswered  them,  that  it  was  not  for  con- 
querours  to  yeld,  nor  to  be  fainte  harted  : and  thereupon 
beganne  a freshe  to  chase  those  that  fled,  untill  suche  time 
as  the  armie  of  the  enemies  was  utterly  overthrowen,  and 
numbers  of  them  slaine,  and  taken  prisoners.  The  next 
morning  betimes,  Martius  went  to  the  Consul,  and  the  other 
Romaines  with  him.  There  the  Consul  Cominius  going  up 
to  his  chayer  of  state,  in  the  presence  of  the  whole  armie, 
gave  thankes  to  the  goddes  for  so  great,  glorious,  and 
prosperous  a victorie : then  he  spake  to  Martius,  whose 
valliantnes  he  commended  beyond  the  moone,  both  for  that 
he  him  selfe  sawe  him  doe  with  his  eyes,  as  also  for  that 
Martius  had  reported  unto  him.  So  in  the  ende  he  willed 
Martius,  he  should  choose  out  of  all  the  horses  they  had 
taken  of  their  enemies,  and  of  all  the  goodes  they  had  wonne 
(whereof  there  was  great  store)  tenne  of  every  sorte  which 
he  liked  best,  before  any  distribution  should  be  made  to 
other.  Besides  this  great  honorable  offer  he  had  made  him, 
he  gave  him  in  testimonie  that  he  had  wonne  that  daye  the 
price  of  prowes  above  all  other,  a goodly  horse  with  a 
capparison,  and  all  furniture  to  him : which  the  whole 
armie  beholding,  dyd  marvelously  praise  and  commend. 
But  Martius  stepping  forth,  tolde  the  Consul,  he  most 
thanckefully  accepted  the  gifte  of  his  horse,  and  was  a glad 
man  besides,  that  his  service  had  deserved  his  generalls 
2 : U 153 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


The  tenth 
parte  of  the 
enemiesgoods 
offered  Marti- 
us for  rewarde 
of  his  service, 
by  Cominius 
the  Consul. 

Valiancie  re- 
warded with 
honour  in  the 
fielde. 


CORIO- 

LANUS 

Martius  noble 
aunswer  and 
refusall. 

iX 


y Martius  sur- 
named  Corio- 
lanus  by  the 
Consul. 

How  the 
Romaines 
came  to  three 
names. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

commendation  : and  as  for  his  other  offer,  which  was  rather 
a mercenary  reward,  then  an  honorable  recompence,  he  would 
none  of  it,  but  was  contented  to  have  his  equall  parte  with 
other  souldiers.  Only,  this  grace  (sayed  he)  I crave,  and 
beseeche  you  to  graunt  me.  Among  the  Volsces  there  is  an 
olde  friende  and.  hoste  of  mine,  an  honest  wealthie  man,  and 
now  a prisoner,  who  living  before  in  great  wealth  in  his  owne 
counbrie,  liveth  now  a poore  -prisoner 'in  the  handes  of  his 
enemies : and  yet  notwithstanding  all  this  his  miserie  and 
misfortune,  it  would  doe  me  great  pleasure  if  I could  save 
him  from  this  one  daunger : to  keepe  him  from  being  solde 
as  a slave.  The  souldiers  hearing  Martius  wordes,  made  a 
marvelous  great  showte  among  them  : and  they  were  moe 
that  wondred  at  his  great  contentation  and  abstinence, 
when  they  sawe  so  litle  covetousnes  in  him,  then  they  were 
that  highely  praised  and  extolled  his  valliantnes.  For  even 
they  them  selves,  that  dyd  somewhat  malice  and  envie  his 
glorie,  to  see  him  thus  honoured,  and  passingly  praysed,  dyd 
thincke  him  so  muche  the  more  worthy  of  an  honorable 
recompence  for  his  valliant  service,  as  the  more  carelesly  he 
refused  the  great  offer  made  him  for  his  profit : and  they 
esteemed  more  the  vertue  that  was  in  him,  that  made  him 
refuse  suche  rewards,  then  that  which  made  them  to  be  offred 
him,  as  unto  a worthie  persone.  For  it  is  farre  more 
commendable,  to  use  riches  well,  then  to  be  valliant : and 
yet  it  is  better  not  to  desire  them,  then  to  use  them  well. 
After  this  showte  and  noyse  of  the  assembly  was  somewhat 
appeased,  the  Consul  Cominius  beganne  to  speake  in  this 
sorte : We  cannot  compell  Martius  to  take  these  giftes  we 
offer  him,  if  he  will  not  receave  them : but  we  will  geve  him 
suche  a rewarde  for  the  noble  service  he  hath  done,  as  he 
cannot  refuse.  Therefore  we  doe  order  and  decree,  that 
henceforth  he  be  called  Coriolanus,  onles  his  valliant  acts 
have  wonne  him  that  name  before  our  nomination.  And 
so  ever  since,  he  stil  bare  the  third  name  of  Coriolanus. 
And  thereby  it  appeareth,  that  the  first  name  the  Romaines 
have,  as  Caius : was  our  Christian  name  now.  The  second, 
as  Martius : was  the  name  of  the  house  and  familie  they 
came  of.  The  third,  was  some  addition  geven,  either  for 
154 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


some  acte  or  notable  service,  or  for  some  marke  on  their  face,  CORIO- 
or  of  some  shape  of  their  bodie,  or  els  for  some  speciall  LANUS 
vertue  they  had.  Even  so  dyd  the  Graecians  in  olde  time  Why  the 
give  additions  to  Princes,  by  reason  of  some  notable  acte  Grecians 
worthie  memorie.  As  when  they  have  called  some,  Soter,  f^names^ 
and  Callinicos : as  muche  to  saye,  saviour  and  conquerour. 

Or  els  for  some  notable  apparaunt  marke  on  ones  face,  or  on 
his  bodie,  they  have  called  him  Phiscon,  and  Grypos : as  ye 
would  saye,  gorebelley,  and  hooke  nosed : or  els  for  some 
vertue,  as  Euergetes,  and  Phyladelphos : to  wit,  a Benefac- 
tour,  and  lover  of  his  brethern.  Or  otherwise  for  ones  great 
felicitie,  as  Eudaemon : as  muche  to  saye,  as  fortunate. 

For  so  was  the  second  of  the  * Battes  surnamed.  And  some  * These  were 
Kings  have  had  surnames  of  jeast  and  mockery.  As  one  of  the  princes 
the  Antigones  that  was  called  Doson,  to  saye,  the  Gever  : ^lt  the 

who  was  ever  promising,  and  never  geving.  And  one  of  the  0 y" 
Ptolomees  was  called  Lamyros : to  saye,  conceitive.  The 
Romaines  use  more  then  any  other  nation,  to  give  names  of 
mockerie  in  this  sorte.  As  there  was  one  Metellus  surnamed  Names  of 
Diadematus,  the  banded : bicause  he  caried  a bande  about  mockery 
his  heade  of  longe  time,  by  reason  of  a sore  he  had  in  his  ^mon?  the 
forehead.  One  other  of  his  owne  familie  was  called  Celer : omanies- 
the  quicke  flye.  Bicause  a fewe  dayes  after  the  death  of 
his  father,  he  shewed  the  people  the  cruell  fight  of  fensers 
at  unrebated  swordes,  which  they  founde  wonderfull  for  the 
shortnes  of  time.  Other  had  their  surnames  derived  of  some 
accident  of  their  birthe.  As  to  this  daye  they  call  him 
Proculeius,  that  is  borne,  his  father  being  in  some  farre 
voyage : and  him  Posthumius,  that  is  borne  after  the  death e 
of  his  father.  And  when  of  two  brethern  twinnes,  the  one 
doth  dye,  and  thother  surviveth  : they  call  the  survivor, 

Vopiscus.  Somtimes  also  they  geve  surnames  derived  of 
some  marke  or  misfortune  of  the  bodie.  As  Sylla,  to  saye, 
crooked  nosed : Niger,  blacke : Rufus,  red  : Caecus,  blinde : 

Claudus,  lame.  They  dyd  wisely  in  this  thing  to  accustome 
men  to  thincke,  that  neither  the  losse  of  their  sight,  nor 
other  such  misfortunes  as  maye  chaunce  to  men,  are  any 
shame  or  disgrace  unto  them,  but  the  manner  was  to  aunswer 
boldly  to  suche  names,  as  if  they  were  called  by  their  proper 


155 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


Sedition  at 
Rome,  by 
reason  of 
famine. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

names.  Howbeit  these  matters  would  be  better  amplified 
in  other  stories  then  this.  Now  when  this  warre  was  ended, 
the  flatterers  of  the  people  beganne  to  sturre  up  sedition 
againe,  without  any  newe  occasion,  or  just  matter  offered  of 
complainte.  For  they  dyd  grounde  this  seconde  insurrection 
against  the  Nobilitie  and  Patricians,  apon  the  peoples  miserie 
and  misfortune,  that  could  not  but  fall  out,  by  reason  of  the 
former  discorde  and  sedition  betweene  them  and  the  Nobilitie. 
Bicause  the  most  parte  of  the  errable  lande  within  the  term 
torie  of  Rome,  was  become  heathie  and  barren  for  lacke  of 
plowing,  for  that  they  had  no  time  nor  meane  to  cause  corne, 
to  be  brought  them  out  of  other  countries  to  sowe,  by  reason 
of  their  warres  which  made  the  extreme  dearth  they  had 
emong  them.  Now  those  busie  pratlers  that  sought  the 
peoples  good  will,  by  suche  flattering  wordes,  perceyving 
great  scarsitie  of  corne  to  be  within  the  cittie,  and  though 
there  had  bene  plenty  enough,  yet  the  common  people  had^ 
no  money  to  buye  it : they  spread  abroad  false  tales  and 
rumours  against  the  Nobilitie,  that  they  in  revenge  of  the 
people,  had  practised  and  procured  the  extreme  dearthe 
emong  them.  Furthermore,  in  the  middest  of  this  sturrS; 
there  came  ambassadours  to  Rome  from  the  cittie  of  Velitres, 
that  offered  up  their  cittie  to  the  Romaines,  and  prayed 
them  they  would  send  newe  inhabitants  to  replenishe  thei 
same  : bicause  the  plague  had  bene  so  extreme  among  them,** 
and  had  killed  such  a number  of  them,  as  there  was  not  left 
alive  the  tenth  persone  of  the  people  that  had  bene  there 
before.  So  the  wise  men  of  Rome  beganne  to  thincke,  that 
the  necessitie  of  the  Velitrians  fell  out  in  a most  happy\ 
hower,  and  howe  by  this  occasion  it  was  very  mete  in  so 
great  a scarsitie  of  vittailes,  to  disburden  Rome  of  a great 
number  of  cittizens : and  by  this  meanes  as  well  to  take 
awaye  this  newe  sedition,  and  utterly  to  ryd  it  out  of  the 
cittie,  as  also  to  cleare  the  same  of  many  mutinous  and 
seditious  persones,  being  the  superfluous  ill  humours  that 
Velitres  made  grevously  fedde  this  disease.  Hereupon  the  Consuls  prickt 
a colonie  to  Gut  all  those  by  a bill,  whom  they  intended  to  sende  to 
Velitres,  to  goe  dwell  there  as  in  forme  of  a colonie : and 
they  leavied  out  of  all  the  rest  that  remained  in  the  cittie  of 
156 


Rome. 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


sedition  in 
Rome. 


Rome,  a great  number  to  goe  against  the  Volsces,  hoping^by  CORIO- 
the  meanes  of  forreine  vvarre,  to  pacifie  their  sedition  at  LANUS 
hbffler  'Moreover  they  imagined,  when  the  poore  with  thefTwo  practises 
riche,  and  the  meane  sorte  with  the  nobilitie,  should  bv  this  to  remove  the 

/ t # ' * # DArilTI  All  in 

devise  be  abroad  in  the  warres,  and  in  one  campe,  and  in 

one  service,  and  in  one  like  daunger  : that  then  they  would 
be  more  quiet  and  loving  together.  But  Sicinius  and  Brutus,  Sicinius  and 
two  seditious  Tribunes,  spake  against  either  of  these  devises,  |*rutus  Tri- 
and  cried  out  apon  'fhe  noble  men,  that  under  the  gentle  J^people 
name  of  a colonie,  they  would  cloke  and  culler  the  most  against  both 
cruell  and  unnaturall  facte  as  might  be : bicause  they  sent  those  devises, 
their  poore  cittizens  into  a sore  infected  cittie  and  pestilent* 
ayer,  full  of  dead  bodies  unburied,  and  there  also  to  dwell' 
under  the  tuytion  of  a straunge  god,  that  had  so  cruelly 
persecuted  his  people.  This  were  (said  they)  even  as  muche, 
as  if  the  Senate  should  hedlong  cast  downe  the  people  into  * 
a most  bottomles  pyt.  And  are  not  yet  contented  to  have . 
famished  some  of  the  poore  cittizens  hertofore  to  death,  and 
to  put  other  of  them  even  to  the  mercie  of  the  plague : but 
a freshe,  they  have  procured  a voluntarie  warre,  to  the  ende 
they  would  leave  behind  no  kynde  of  miserie  and  ill,  where- 
with the  poore  syllie  people  should  not  be  plagued,  and  only 
bicause  they  are  werie  to  serve  the  riche.  The  common 
people  being  set  on  a broyle  and  braverie  with  these  wordes, 
would  not  ^appeare  when  the  Consuls  called  their  names  by 
a bill,  to  prest  them  for  the  warres,  neither  would  they  be 
sent  out  to  this  newe  colonie  : in  so  muche  as  the  Senate 
knewe  not  well  what  to  saye,  or  doe  in  the  matter.  Martius 
then,  who  was  now  growen  to  great  credit,  and  a stowte 
man  besides,  and  of  great  reputation  with  the  noblest  men 
of  Rome^rose  up,  and  openly  spake  against  these  flattering 
Tribunes.  And  for  the  replenishing  of  the  cittie  of  Velitres, 
h e dyd  compell  those  that  were  chosen,  . to  goe  thither,  and 
to  departe* the  cittie,  apon  great  penalties  to  him  that  should 
disobey : but  to  the  warres,  the  people  by  no  meanes  would 
be  brought  or  constrained.  So  Martius  taking  his  friendes  Coriolanus 
and  followers  with  him,  and  such  as  he  could  by  fayer  wordes  offendeth  the 
intreate  to  goe  with  him,  dyd  ronne  certen  forreyes  into  the  peop  e* 
dominion  of  the  Antiates,  where  he  met  with  great  plenty 

157 


CORIO- 

LANUS 

Coriolanus 
invadeth  the 
Antiates,  and 
bringeth  rich 
spoyles  home. 


V 


The  manner 
of  suyng  for 
office  at  Rome. 


Whereupon 
this  manner 
of  suyng  was 
so  devised. 


Offices  geven 
then  by  de- 
sert, without 
favour  or  cor- 
ruption. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

of  corne,  and  had  a marvelous  great  spoyle,  aswell  of  cattell, 
as  of  men  he  had  taken  prisoners,  whom  he  brought  awaye 
with  him,  and  reserved  nothing  for  him  selfe.  Afterwardes 
having  brought  backe  againe  all  his  men  that  went  out  with 
him,  safe  and  so  unde  to  Rome,  and  every  man  riche  and 
loden  with  spoyle : then  the  hometarriers  and  housedoves 
that  kept  Rome  still,  beganne  to  repent  them  that  it  was 
not  their  happe  to  goe  with  him,  and  so  envied  both  them 
that  had  sped  so  well  in  this  jorney,  and  also  of  malice  to 
Martius,  they  spited  to  see  his  credit  and  estimation  increase 
still  more  and  more,  bicause  they  accompted  him  to  be  a 
great  hinderer  of  the  people.  Shortely  after  this,  Martius 
stoode  for  the  Consulshippe : and  the  common  people 
favored  his  sute,  thinking  it  would  be  a shame  to  them  to 
denie,  and  refuse,  the  cfyiefest  noble  man  of  bloude,  and 
most  worthie  persone  of  JTomevand  specially  him  that  had 
done  so  great  service  and  good  to  the  common  wealth.  For 
the  custome  of  Rome  was  at  that  time,  that  suche  as  dyd 
sue  for  any  office,  should  for  certen  dayes  before  be  in  the 
market  place,  only  with  a poore  gowne  on  their  backes,  and 
without  any  coate  underneath,  to  praye  the  cittizens  to 
remember  them  at  the  daye  of  election : which  was  thus 
devised,  either  to  move  the  people  the  more,  by  requesting 
them  in  suche  meane  apparell,  or  els  bicause  they  might 
shewe  them  their  woundes  they  had  gotten  in  the  warres  in 
the  service  of  the  common  wealth,  as  manifest  markes  and 
testimonie  of  their  valliantnes.  Now  it  is  not  to  be  thought 
that  the  suters  went  thus  lose  in  a simple  gowne  in  the 
market  place,  without  any  coate  under  it,  for  feare,  and 
suspition  of  the  common  people : for  offices  of  dignitie  in 
the  cittie  were  not  then  geven  by  favour  or  corruption.  It 
was  but  of  late  time,  and  long  after  this,  that  buying  and 
selling  fell  out  in  election  of  officers,  and  that  the  voyces  of 
the  electours  were  bought  for  money.  But  after  corruption 
had  once  gotten  waye  into  the  election  of  offices,  it  hath 
ronne  from  man  to  man,  even  to  the  very  sentence  of  judges, 
and  also  emong  captaines  in  the  warres  : so  as  in  the  ende, 
that  only  turned  common  wealthes  into  Kingdomes,  by 
armes  subject  to  money.  Therefore  me  thinckes  he 
158 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

had  reason  that  sayed : He  that  first  made  banckets,  and 
gave  money  to  the  common  people,  was  the  first  that  tooke 
awaye  authoritie,  and  destroyed  common  wealth.  But  this 
pestilence  crept  in  by  litle  and  litle,  and  dyd  secretly  winne 
ground  still,  continuing  a long  time  in  Rome,  before  it  was 
openly  knowen  and  discovered.  For  no  man  can  tell  who 
was  the  first  man  that  bought  the  peoples  voyces  for  money, 
nor  that  corrupted  the  sentence  of  the  j udges.  Howbeit  at 
Athens  some  holde  opinion,  that  Anytus,  the  sonne  of 
Anthemion,  was  the  first  man  that  fedde  the  judges  with 
money,  about  the  ende  of  the  warres  of  Peloponnesus,  being 
accused  of  treason  for  yelding  up  the  forte  of  Pyle,  at  that 
time,  when  the  golden  and  unfoiled  age  remained  yet  whole 
in  judgement  at  Rome.  Now  Martius  following  this  custome, 
shewed  many  woundes  and  cuttes  apon  his  bodie,  which  he 
had  receyved  in  seventeene  yeres  service  at  the  warres,  and 
in  many  sundrie  battells,  being  ever  the  formest  man  that 
dyd  set  out  feete  to  fight.  So  that  there  was  not  a man 
emong  the  people,  but  was  ashamed  of  him  selfe,  to  refuse 
so  valliant  a man : and  one  of  them  sayed  to  another,  We 
must  needes  chuse  him  Consul,  there  is  no  remedie.  But 
when  the  daye  of  election  was  come,  and  that  Martius  came 
to  the  market  place  with  great  pompe,  accompanied  with  all 
the  Senate,  and  the  whole  Nobilitie  of  the  cittie  about  him, 
who  sought  to  make  him  Consul,  with  the  greatest  instance 
and  intreatie  they  could,  or  ever  attempted  for  any  man 
matter:  then  the  love  and  good  will  of  the  common 


CORIO 

LANUS 

Bankets  and 
money  geven: 
only  destroy- 
ers of  common 
wealth. 


Anytus  the 
Athenian,  the 
first  that  with 
money  cor- 
rupted the 
sentence  of 
the  judge, 
and  voyces  of 
the  people. 


or 


people,  turned  straight  to  an  hate  and  envie  toward  him, 
fearing  to  put  this  office  of  soveraine  authoritie  into  his 
handes,  being  a man  somewhat  partiall  toward  the  nobilitie, 
and  of  great  credit  and  authoritie  amongest  the  Patricians, 
and  as  one  they  might  doubt  would  take  away  alltogether 
the  libertie  from  the  people.  Whereupon  for  these  con- 
siderations, they  refused  Martius  in  the  ende,  and  made  two 
other  that  were  suters,  Consuls.  The  Senate  being  marvel- 
ously offended  with  the  people,  dyd  accompt  the  shame 
of  this  refusall,  rather  to  redownd  to  them  selves,  then  to 
Martius : but  Martius  tooke  it  in  farre  worse  parte  then  the 
Senate,  and  was  out  of  all  pacience.  For  he  was  a man  to 

159 


See  the  fickle 
mindes  of 
common 
people. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


CORIO-  full  of  passion  and  choller,  and  to  muche  geven  to  over  selfe 
LANUS  will  and  opinion,  as  one  of  a highe  minde  and  great  corage, 
that  lacked  the  gravity,  and  affabilitie  that  is  gotten  with 
judgment  of  learning  and  jreason,  which  only  is  to  be  looked 
for  in  a governour  of  state : and  that  remembred  not  how 
wilfulnes  is  the  thing  of  the  world,  which  a governour  of  a 
common  wealth  for  pleasing  should  shonne,  being  that  which 
The  fruites  of  Plato  called  solitarines.  As  in  the  ende,  all  men  that  are 
selfe  will  and  wilfully  geven  to  a selfe  opinion  and  obstinate  minde,  and  s 
obstinacie.  who  wjp  never  yeld  to  others  reason,  but  to  their  pwne : j 
remaine  without  companje,  and  forsaken  of  all  men.  For  a 
man  that  will  live  in  the  world,  must  nedes  have  patience, 
which  lus ty  bToU'des  make  but  a mocke  at.  So  lViartius  being 
a stowte  man  of  nature,  that  never  yelded  in  any  respect,  as 
one  thincking  that  to  overcome  allwayes,  and  to  have  the 
upper  hande  in  all  matters,  was  a token  of  magnanimitie, 
and  of  no  base  and  fainte  corage,  which  spitteth  out  anger 
from  the  most  weake  and  passioned  parte  of  the  harte,  much 
like  the  matter  of  an  impostume : went  home  to  his  house, 
full  fraighted  with  spite  and  malice  against  the  people,  being 
accompanied  with  all  the  lustiest  young  gentlemen,  whose 
mindes  were  nobly  bent,  as  those  that  came  of  noble  race, 
and  commonly  used  for  to  followe  and  honour  him.  But 
then  specially  they  floct  about  him,  and  kept  him  companie, 
to  his  muche  harme : for  they  dyd  but  kyndle  and  inflame 
his  choller  more  and  more,  being  sorie  with  him  for  the 
injurie  the  people  offred  him,  bicause  he  was  their  captaine 
and  leader  to  the  warres,  that  taught  them  all  marshall 
discipline,  and  stirred  up  in  them  a noble  emulation  of 
honour  and  valliantnes,  and  yet  without  envie,  praising  them 
that  deserved  best.  In  the  meane  season,  there  came  great 
Great  store  of  plenty  of  corne  to  Rome,  that  had  bene  bought,  parte  in 
come  brought  Italie,  and  parte  was  sent  out  of  Sicile,  as  geven  by  Gelon 
the  tyranne  of  Syracusa : so  that  many  stoode  in  great  hope, 
that  the  dearthe  of  wlttells  being  holpen,  the  civill  dissention 
would  also  cease.  The  Senate  sate  in  counsell  upon  it  im- 
mediatly,  the  common  people  stoode  also  about  the  palice 
where  the  counsell  was  kept,  gaping  what  resolution  would 
fall  out : persuading  them  selves,  that  the  corne  they  had 
160 


to  Rome. 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

bought  should  be  solde  good  cheape,  and  that  which  was 
geven,  should  be  devided  by  the  polle,  without  paying  any 
pennie,  and  the  rather,  bicause  certaine  of  the  Senatours 
amongest  them  dyd  so  wishe  and  persuade  the  same.  Buk 
Martius  standing  up  on  his  feete,  dyd  somewhat  sharpely 
take'Up'those,  who  went  about  to  gratifie  the  people  therein  : 
and  called  them  people  pleasers,  and  traitours  to  the  nobilitie. 

6 Moreover  he  sayed  they  nourrished  against  them  selves,  the 
4 naughty  seede  and  cockle,  of  insolencie  and  sedition,  which 
6 had  bene  sowed  and  scattered  abroade  emongest  the  people, 

4 whom  they  should  Tiave  cut  of,  if  they  had  bene  wise,  and 
4 have  prevented  their  greatnes  : and  not  to  their  owne  de- 
4 struction  to  have  suffered  the  people,  to  stablishe  a magis- 
4 trate  for  them  selves,  of  so  great  power  and  authoritie,  as 
4 that  man  had,  to  whom  they  had  graunted  it.  Who  was 
4 also  to  be  feared,  bicause  he  obtained  what  he  would,  and 
4 dyd  nothing  but  what  he  listed,  neither  passed  for  any 
4 obedience  to  the  Consuls,  but  lived  in  all  libertie,  acknow- 
6 ledging  no  superiour  to  commaund  him,  saving  the  only 
4 heades  and  authours  of  their  faction,  whom  he  called  his 
4 magistrates.  Therefore  sayed  he,  they  that  gave  counsell, 

4 and  persuaded  that  the  corne  should  be  geven  out  to  the 
4 common  people  gratis,  as  they  used  to  ,dc?e  in.  citties  of 
4 Graece,  where  the  people  had  more  absolute  power:  dyd 
4 but  only  nourishe  their  disobedience,  which  would  breake 
4 out  in  the  ende,  to  the  utter  ruine  and  overthrowe  of  the 
4 whole  state.  For  they  will  not  thincke  it  is  done  in  re- 
4 compense  of  their  service  past,  sithence  they  know  well 
4 enough  they  have  so  ofte  refused  to  goe_to  the  warres, 

4 when  they  were  commaunded : neither  for  their  mutinies 
4 when  they  went  with  us,  whereby  they  have  rebelled  and 
4 forsaken  their  countrie  : neither  for  their  accusations  which 
4 their  flatterers  have  preferred  unto  them,  and  they  have 
4 receyved,  and  made  good  against  the  Senate  : but  they  will 
4 rather  judge  we  geve  and  graunt  them  this,  as  abasing  our 
4 selves,  and  standing  in  feare  of  them,  and  glad  to  flatter 
4 them  every  waye.  By  this  meanes,  their  disobedience  will 
4 still  growe  worse  and  worse : and  they  will  never  leave  to 
4 practise  newe  sedition,  and  uprores.  Therefore  it  were  a 
% : X 161 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


Coriolanus 
oration 
against  the 
insolencie  of 
the  people. 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


w 


Sedition  at 
Rome  for 
Coriolanus. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

4 great  follie  for  us,  me  thin  ekes  to  doe  it : yea,  shall  I saye 
4 more  ? we  should  if  we  were  wise,  take  from  them  their 
4 Tribuneshippe,  which  most  manifestly  is  the  embasing  of 
4 the  Consulshippe,  and  the  cause  of  the  division  of  the 
4 cittie.  The  state  whereof  as  it  standeth,  is  not  now  as  it 
4 was  wont  to  be,  but  becommeth  dismembred  in  two  factions, 
4 which  mainteines  allwayes  civill  dissention  and  discorde  be- 
4 twene  us,  and  will  never  suffer  us  againe  to  be  united  into 
4 one  bodie.’  Martius  dilating  the  matter  with  many  such 
like  reasons,  wanne  all  the  young  men,  and  almost  all  the 
riche  men  to  his  opinion  : in  so  much  they  range  it  out,  that 
he  was  the  only  man,  and  alone  in  the  cittie,  who  stoode  out 
against  the  people,  and  never  flattered  them.'  There  were 
only  a fewe  olde  men  that  spake  against  him,  fearing  least 
some  mischief  might  fall  out  apon  it,  as  in  dede  there 
followed  no  great  good  afterward.  For  the  Tribunes  of 
the  people,  being  present  at  this  consultation  of  the  Senate, 
when  they  sawe  that  the  opinion  of  Martius  was  confirmed 
with  the  more  voyces,  they  left  the  Senate,  and  went  downe 
to  the  people,  crying  out  for  helpe,  and  that  they  would 
assemble  to  save  their  Tribunes.  Hereupon  the  people  ranne 
on  head  in  tumult  together,  before  whom  the  wordes  that 
Martius  spake  in  the  Senate  were  openly  reported : which 
the  people  so  stomaked,  that  even  in  that  furie  they  were 
readie  to  flye  apon  the  whole  Senate.  But  the  Tribunes 
layed  all  the  faulte  and  burden  wholy  upon  Martius,  and 
sent  their  sergeantes  forthwith  to  arrest  him,  presently  to 
appeare  in  persone  before  the  people,  to  aunswer  the  wordes 
he  had  spoken  in  the  Senate,  i Martius  stowtely  withstoode 
these  officers  that  came  to  arrest  him.  Then  the  Tribunes 
in  their  owne  persones,  accompanied  with  the  -/Ediles,  went 
to  fetche  him  by  force,  and  so  layed  violent  hands  upon  him. 
Howbeit  the  noble  Patricians  gathering  together  about  him, 
made  the  Tribunes  geve  backe,  and  layed  it  sore  apon  the 
iEdiles : so  for  that  time,  the  night  parted  them,  and  the 
tumult  appeased.  The  next  morning  betimes,  the  Consuls 
seing  the  people  in  an  uprore,  ronning  to  the  market  place 
out  of  all  partes  of  the  cittie,  they  were  affrayed  least  all  the 
cittie  would  together  by  the  eares  ; wherefore  assembling  the 
162 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

Senate  in  all  hast,  they  declared  how  it  stoode  them  upon,  CORIO- 

to  appease  the  furie  of  the  people,  with  some  gentle  wordes,  LANDS 

or  gratefull  decrees  in  their  favour : and  moreover,  like  wise 
men  they  should  consider,  it  was  now  no  time  to  stande  at 
defence  and  in  contention,  nor  yet  to  fight  for  honour  against 
the  communaltie:  they  being  fallen  to  so  great  an  extremitie, 
and  offering  such  imminent  daunger.  Wherefore  they  were 
to  consider  temperately  of  things,  and  to  deliver  some  present 
and  gentle  pacification.  The  most  parte  of  the  Senatours 
that  were  present  at  this  counsaill,  thought  this  opinion 
best,  and  gave  their  consents  unto  it.  Whereupon  the  Con- 
suls rising  out  of  counsaill,  went  to  speake  unto  the  people 
as  gently  as  they  could,  and  they  dyd  pacifie  their  furie 
and  anger,  purging  the  Senate  of  all  the  unjust  accusations 
layed  upon  them,  and  used  great  modestie  in  persuading 
them,  and  also  in  reproving  the  faultes  they  had  committed. 

And  as  for  the  rest,  that  touched  the  sale  of  corne : they 
promised  there  should  be  no  disliking  offred  them  in  the 
price.  So  the  most  parte  of  the  people  being  pacified,  and 
appearing  so  plainely  by  the  great  silence  and  still  that  was 
among  them,  as  y elding  to  the  Consuls,  and  liking  well  of 
their  wordes : the  Tribunes  then  of  the  people  rose  out  of 
their  seates,  and  sayed : Forasmuche  as  the  Senate  yelded 
unto  reason,  the  people  also  for  their  parte,  as  became  them, 
dyd  likewise  geve  place  unto  them  : but  notwithstanding, 
they  would  that  Martius  should  come  in  persone  to  aunswer 
to  the  articles  they  had  devised.  First,  whether  he  had  not  Articles 
solicited  and  procured  the  Senate  to  chaunge  the  present  against  Corio- 
state  of  the  common  weale,  and  to  take  the  soveraine  au-  tinus* 
thoritie  out  of  the  peoples  handes.  Next,  when  he  was  sent 
for  by  authoritie  of  their  officers,  why  he  dyd  contemptuously 
resist  and  disobey.  Lastely,  seeing  he  had  driven  and  beaten 
the  ASdiles  into  the  market  place  before  all  the  worlde:  if  in 
doing  this,  he  had  not  done  as  muche  as  in  him  laye,  to  raise 
civill  warres,  and  to  set  one  cittizen  against  another.  All 
this  was  spoken  to  one  of  these  two  endes,  either  that  Martius 
against  his  nature  should  be  constrained  to  humble  him  selfe, 
and  to  abase  his  hawty  and  fierce  minde : or  els  if  he  con- 
tinued still  in  his  stowtnes,  he  should  incurre  the  peoples 

163 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


Coriolanus 
stowtnes  in 
defence  of 
him  selfe.  ' 


Sicinius  the 
Tribune,  pro- 
nounceth  sen- 
tence of  death 
upon  Martius. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

displeasure  and  ill  will  so  farre,  that  he  should  never  possibly 
winne  them  againe.  Which  they  hoped  would  rather  fall 
out  so,  then  otherwise  : as  in  deede  they  gest  unhappely, 
considering  Martius  nature  and  disposition.  So  Martius 
came,  and  presented  him  selfe,  to  aunswer  their  accusations 
against  him,  and  the  people  held  their  peace,  and  gave  atten- 
tive eare,  to  heare  what  he  would  saye.  But  where  they 
thought  to  have  heard  very  humble  and  lowly  wordes  come 
from  him,  he  beganne  not  only  to  use  his  wonted  boldnes  of 
speaking  (which  of  it  selfe  was  very  rough  and  unpleasaunt, 
and  dyd  more  aggravate  his  accusation,  then  purge  his  in- 
nocencie)  but  also  gave  him  selfe  in  his  wordes  to  thunder, 
and  looke  therewithall  so  grimly,  as  though  he  made  no 
reckoning  of  the  matter.  This  stirred  coales  emong  the 
people,  who  were  in  wonderfull  furie  at  it,  and  their  hate 
and  malice  grewe  so  toward  him,  that  they  could  holde  no 
lenger,  beare,  nor  indure  his  bravery  and  careles  boldnes. 
Whereupon  Sicinius,  the  cruellest  and  stowtest  of  the 
Tribunes,  after  he  -had  whispered  a litle  with  his  com- 
panions, dyd  openly  pronounce  in  the  face  of  all  the  people, 
Martius  as  condemned  by  the  Tribunes  to  dye.  Then 
presently  he  commaunded  the  iEdiles  to  apprehend  him, 
and  carie  him  straight  to  the  rocke  Tarpeian,  and  to  cast 
him  hedlong  downe  the  same.  When  the  iEdiles  came  to 
laye  handes  upon  Martius  to  doe  that  they  were  com- 
maunded, divers  of  the  people  them  selves  thought  it  to 
cruell,  and  violent  a dede.  The  noble  men  also  being  muche 
troubled  to  see  such  force  and  rigour  used,  beganne  to  crie 
alowde,  Helpe  Martius : so  those  that  layed  handes  of  him 
being  repulsed,  they  compassed  him  in  rounde  emong  them 
selves,  and  some  of  them  holding  up  their  handes  to  the 
people,  besought  them  not  to  handle  him  thus  cruelly.  But 
neither  their  wordes,  nor  crying  out  could  ought  prevaile, 
the  tumulte  and  hurly  burley  was  so  great,  untill  suche  time 
as  the  Tribunes  owne  friendes  and  kinsemen  weying  with 
them  selves  the  impossiblenes  to  convey  Martius  to  execution, 
without  great  slaughter  and  murder  of  the  nobilitie : dyd 
persuade  and  advise  not  to  proceede  in  so  violent  and  extra- 
ordinary a sorte,  as  to  put  such  a man  to  death,  without 
164 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


lawfull  processe  in  lawe,  but  that  they  should  referre  the 
sentence  of  his  death,  to  the  free  voyce  of  the  people. 
Then  Sicinius  bethinking  him  self  a litle,  dyd  aske  the 
Patricians,  for  what  cause  they  tooke  Martius  out  of  the 
officers  handes  that  went  to  doe  execution  ? The  Patricians 
asked  him  againe,  why  they  would  of  them  selves,  so  cruelly 
and  wickedly  put  to  death,  so  noble  and  valliant  a Romaine, 
as  Martius  was,  and  that  without  lawe  or  justice?  Well, 
then  sayed  Sicinius,  if  that  be  the  matter,  let  there  be  no 
more  quarrell  or  dissention  against  the  people : for  they  doe 
graunt  your  demaunde,  that  his  cause  shalbe  heard  accord- 
ing to  the  law.  Therfore  sayed  he  to  Martius,  We  doe  mil 
anct  charge  you  to  appeare  before  the  people,  the  third  daye 
of  our  next  sitting  and  assembly  here,  to  make  your  purga- 
tion for  such  articles  as  shalbe  objected  against  you,  that  by 
free  voyce  the  people  maye  geve  sentence  apon  you  as  shall 
please  them.  The  noble  men  were  glad  then  of  the  adjorn- 
ment,  and  were  muche  pleased  they  had  gotten  Martius  out 
of  this  daunger.  In  the  meane  space,  before  the  third  day 
of  their  next  cession  came  about,  the  same  being  kept  every 
nineth  daye  continually  at  Rome,  whereupon  they  call  it  now 
in  Latin,  Nundince : there  fell  out  warre  against  the  Antiates, 
which  gave  some  hope  to  the  nobilitie,  that  this  adjornment 
would  come  to  litle  effect,  thinking  that  this  warre  would 
hold  them  so  longe,  as  that  the  furie  of  the  people  against 
him  would  be  well  swaged  or  utterly  forgotten,  by  reason 
of  the  trouble  of  the  warres.  But  contrarie  to  expectation, 
the  peace  was  concluded  presently  with  the  Antiates,  and 
the  people  returned  again  to  Rome.  Then  the  Patricians 
assembled  oftentimes  together,  to  consult  how  they  might 
stande  to  Martius,  and  keepe  the  Tribunes  from  occasion  to 
cause  the  people  to  mutine  againe,  and  rise  against  the 
nobilitie.  And  there  Appius  Clodius  (one  that  was  taken 
ever  as  an  heavy  enemie  to  the  people)  dyd  avowe  and  pro- 
test, that  they  would  utterly  abase  the  authoritie  of  the 
Senate,  and  destroye  the  common  weale,  if  they  would  suffer 
the  common  people  to  have  authoritie  by  voyces  to  geve 
judgment  against  the  nobilitie.  On  thother  side  againe, 
the  most  auncient  Senatours,  and  suche  as  were  geven  to 

165 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


Coriolanus 
hath  daye 
geven  him  to 
aunswer  the 
people. 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


Coriolanus 
accused  that 
he  sought  to 
be  King. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

favour  the  common  people  sayed : that  when  the  people 
should  see  they  had  authoritie  of  life  and  death  in  their 
handes,  they  would  not  be  so  cruell  and  fierce,  but  gentle 
and  civill.  More  also,  that  it  was  not  for  contempt  of 
nobilitie  or  the  Senate,  that  they  sought  to  have  the  au- 
thoritie of  justice  in  their  handes,  as  a preheminence  and 
prerogative  of  honour : but  bicause  they  feared,  that  them 
selves  should  be  contemned  and  hated  of  the  nobilitie.  So 
as  they  were  persuaded,  that  so  sone  as  they  gave  them 
authoritie  to  j udge  by  voyces  : so  sone  would  they  leave  all 
envie  and  malice  to  condemne  anye.  Martius  seeing  the 
Senate  in  great  doubt  how  to  resolve,  partely  for  the  love 
and  good  will  the  nobilitie  dyd  beare  him,  and  partely  for 
the  feare  they  stoode  in  of  the  people : asked  alowde  of  the 
Tribunes,  what  matter  they  would  burden  him  with  ? The 
Tribunes  aunswered  him,  that  they  would  shewe  howe  he 
dyd  aspire  to  be  King,  and  would  prove  that  all  his  actions 
tended  to  usurpe  tyrannicall  power  over  Rome.  Martius 
with  that,  rising  up  on  his  feete,  sayed : that  thereupon  he 
dyd  willingly  offer  him  self  to  the  people,  to  be  tried  apon 
that  accusation.  And  that  if  it  were  proved  by  him,  he  had 
so  muche  as  once  thought  of  any  suche  matter,  that  he  would 
then  refuse  no  kinde  of  punishment  they  would  offer  him : 
conditionally  (quoth  he)  that  you  charge  me  with  nothing  els 
besides,  and  that  ye  doe  not  also  abuse  the  Senate.  They 
promised  they  would  not.  Under  these  conditions  the  judge- 
ment was  agreed  upon,  and  the  people  assembled.  And  first 
of  all  the  Tribunes  would  in  any  case  (whatsoever  became  of 
it)  that  the  people  would  proceede  to  geve  their  voyces  by 
Tribes,  and  not  by  hundreds : for  by  this  meanes  the  multi- 
tude of  the  poore  needy  people  (and  all  suche  rable  as  had 
nothing  to  lose,  and  had  lesse  regard  of  honestie  before  their 
eyes)  came  to  be  of  greater  force  (bicause  their  voyces  were 
numbred  by  the  polle)  then  the  noble  honest  cittizens,  whose 
persones  and  purse  dyd  duetifully  serve  the  common  wealth 
in  their  warres.  And  then  when  the  Tribunes  sawe  they 
could  not  prove  he  went  about  to  make  him  self  King : they 
beganne  to  broache  a freshe  the  former  wordes  that  Martius 
had  spoken  in  the  Senate,  in  hindering  the  distribution  of 
166 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

the  corne  at  meane  price  unto  the  common  people,  and  per-  CORIO- 
suading  also  totake  the  office  of  Tribuneshippe  from  them.  LANUS 
And  for  the  third,  they  charged  him  a newe,  that  he  had  not 
made  the  common  distribution  of  the  spoyle  he  had  gotten 
in  the  invading  the  territories  of  the  Antiates : but  had  of 
his  owne  authoritie  devided  it  among  them,  who  were  with 
him  in  that  jorney.  But  this  matter  was  most  straunge  of 
all  to  Martius,  looking  least  to  have  bene  burdened  with 
that,  as  with  any  matter  of  offence.  Wherupon  being  bur- 
dened on  the  sodaine,  and  having  no  ready  excuse  to  make 
even  at  that  instant : he  beganne  to  fall  a praising  of  the 
souldiers  that  had  served  with  him  in  that  jorney.  But 
those  that  were  not  with  him,  being  the  greater  number, 
cried  out  so  lowde,  and  made  suche  a noyse,  that  he  could 
not  be  heard.  To  conclude,  when  they  came  to  tell  the 
voyces  of  the  Tribes,  there  were  three  voyces  odde,  which 
condemned  him  to  be  banished  for  life.  After  declaration  Coriolanus 
of  the  sentence,  the  people  made  suche  joye,  as  they  never  banished  for 
rejoy ced  more  for  any  battell  they  had  wonne  upon  their  llfe’ 
enemies,  they  were  so  brave  and  lively,  and  went  home  so 
jocondly  from  the  assembly,  for  triumphe  of  this  sentence. 

The  Senate  againe  in  contrary  manner  were  as  sad  and  heavie, 
repenting  them  selves  beyond  measure,  that  they  had  not 
rather  determined  to  have  done  and  suffered  any  thing  what- 
soever, before  the  common  people  should  so  arrogantly,  and 
outrageously  have  abused  their  authoritie.  There  needed 
no  difference  of  garments  I warrant  you,  nor  outward  showes 
to  know  a Plebeian  from  a Patrician,  for  they  were  easely 
decerned  by  their  lookes.  For  he  that  was  on  the  peoples 
side,  looked  cheerely  on  the  matter : but  he  that  was  sad, 
and  honge  downe  his  head,  he  was  sure  of  the  noble  mens 
side.  Saving  Martius  alone,  who  neither  in  his  countenaunce, 
nor  in  his  gate,  dyd  ever  showe  him  selfe  abashed,  or  once  let  u 
fall  his  great  corage  : but  he  only  of  all  other  gentlemen  that  Coriolanus 
were  angrie  at  his  fortune,  dyd  outwardly  she  we  no  manner  constant 
of  passion,  nor  care  at  all  of  him  selfe.  Not  that  he  dyd 
paciently  beare  and  temper  his  good  happe,  in  respect  of  any 
reason  he  had,  or  by  his  quiet  condition  : but  bicause  he  was 
so  caried  awaye  with  the  vehemencie  of  anger,  and  desire  of 

167 


CORIO- 

LANUS 

The  force  of 
anger. 


Tullus  Aufi- 
dius,  a greate 
persone 
emong  the 
Volsces. 


V 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

revenge,  that  he  had  no  sence  nor  feeling  of  the  hard  state 
te-was  in,  which  the  common  people  judge,  not  to  be  sorow, 
although  in  dede  it  be  the  very  same.  For  when  sorow  (as 
you  would  saye)  is  set  a fyre,  then  it  is  converted  into  spite 
and  malice,  and  driveth  awaye  for  that  time  all  faintnes 
of  harte  and  naturall  feare.  And  this  is  the  cause  why  the 
chollericke  man  is  so  altered,  and  mad  in  his  actions,  as  a 
man  set  a fyre  with  a burning  agewe : for  when  a mans 
harte  is  troubled  within,  his  pulse  will  beate  marvelous 
strongely.  Now  that  Marti  us  was  even  in  that  taking, 
it  appeared  true  sone  after  by  his  doinges.  For  when  he 
was  come  home  to  his  house  againe,  and  had  taken  his  leave 
of  his  mother  and  wife,  finding  them  weeping,  and  shreeking 
out  for  sorrowe,  and  had  also  comforted  and  persuaded  them 
to  be  content  with  his  chaunce : he  went  immediatly  to  the 
gate  of  the  cittie,  accompanied  with  a great  number  of 
Patricians  that  brought  him  thither,  from  whence  he  went 
on  his  waye  with  three  or  foure  of  his  friendes  only,  taking 
nothing  with  him,  nor  requesting  any  thing  of  any  man.  So 
he  remained  a fewe  dayes  in  the  countrie  at  his  houses,  tur- 
moyled  with  sundry  sortes  and  kynde  of  thoughtes,  suche  as 
the  fyer  of  his  choller  dyd  sturre  up.  In  the  ende,  seeing 
he  could  resolve  no  waye,  to  take  a profitable  or  honorable 
course,  but  only  was  pricked  forward  still  to  be  revenged  of 
the  Romaines : he  thought  to  raise  up  some  great  warres 
against  them,  by  their  neerest  neighbours.  Whereupon,  he 
thought  it  his  best  waye,  first  to  stirre  up  the  Volsces  against 
them,  knowing  they  were  yet  able  enough  in  strength  and 
riches  to  encounter  them,  notwithstanding  their  former  losses 
they  had  receyved  not  long  before,  and  that  their  power  was 
not  so  muche  impaired,  as  their  malice  and  desire  was  in- 
creased, to  be  revenged  of  the  Romaines.  Now  in  the  cittie 
of  Antium,  there  was  one  called  Tullus  Aufidius,  who  for  his 
riches,  as  also  for  his  nobilitie  and  valliantnes,  was  honoured 
emong  the  Volsces  as  a King.  Martius  knewe  very  well,  that 
Tullus  dyd  more  malice  and  envie  him,  then  he  dyd  all  the 
Romaines  besides  : bicause  that  many  times  in  battells  where 
they  met,  they  were  ever  at  the  encounter  one  against 
another,  like  lustie  coragious  youthes,  striving  in  all  emula- 
168 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


tion  of  honour,  and  had  encountered  many  times  together. 
In  so  muche,  as  besides  the  common  quarrell  betweene  them, 
there  was  bred  a marvelous  private  hate  one  against  another. 
Yet  notwithstanding,  considering  that  Tullus  Aufidius  was 
a man  of  a great  minde,  and  that  he  above  all  other  of  the 
Volsces,  most  desired  revenge  of  the  Romanies,  for  the  in- 
j uries  they  had  done  unto  them : he  dyd  an  acte  that  confirmed 
the  true  wordes  of  an  auncient  Poet,  who  sayed  : 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


It  is  a thing-  full  harde,  mans  anger  to  withstand, 
if  it  be  stiffely  bent  to  take  an  enterprise  in  hande. 

For  then  most  men  will  have,  the  thing  that  they  desire, 
although  it  cost  their  lives  therefore,  suche  force  hath  wicked 
ire. 


And  so  dyd  he.  For  he  disguised  him  selfe  in  suche  arraye 
and  attire,  as  he  thought  no  man  could  ever  have  knowen 
him  for  the  persone  he  was,  seeing  him  in  that  apparell  he 
had  upon  his  backe : and  as  Homer  sayed  of  Ulysses, 

So  dyd  he  enter  into  the  enemies  towne. 

It  was  even  twy  light  when  he  entred  thecittie  of  Antium,  Coriolanus  ^ 
and  many  people  met  him  in  the  streetes,  but  no  man  knewe  disguised, 
him.  So  he  went  directly  to  Tullus  Aufidius  house,  and  ^^acittie 
when  he  came  thither,  he  got  him  up  straight  to  the  chimney  0fthe  Volsces. 
harthe,  and  sat  him  downe,  and  spake  not  a worde  to  any 
man,  his  face  all  muffled  over.  They  of  the  house  spying 
him,  wondered  what  he  should  be,  and  yet  they  durst  not 
byd  him  rise.  For  ill  favoredly  muffled  and  disguised  as  he 
was,  yet  there  appeared  a certaine  majestie  in  his  countenance, 
and  in  his  silence : whereupon  they  went  to  Tullus  who  was 
at  supper,  to  tell  him  of  the  straunge  disguising  of  this  man. 

Tullus  rose  presently  from  the  borde,  and  comming  towards 
him,  asked  him  what  he  was,  and  wherefore  he  came.  Then 
Martius  unmuffled  him  selfe,  and  after  he  had  paused  a whil e^J 
making  no  aunswer,  he  sayed  unto  him  : 6 If  thou  knowest  Coriolanus 
4 me  not  yet,  Tullus,  and  seeing  me,  dost  not  perhappes  oration  to 
4 beleeve  me  to  be  the  man  I am  in  dede,  I must  of  necessitie  Aufidius 
4 bewraye  my  selfe  to  be  that  I am.  I am  Caius  Martius,  who 
4 hath  done  to  thy  self  particularly,  and  to  all  the  Volsces 
4 generally,  great  hurte  and  mischief,  which  I cannot  denie  for 
2 : Y 169 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


4 my  surname  of  Coriolanus  that  I beare.  For  I never  had 
4 other  benefit  nor  recompence,  of  all  the  true  and  paynefull 
4 service  I have  done,  and  the  extreme  daungers  I have  bene 
4 in,  but  this  only  surname : a good  memorie  and  witnes,  of 
4 the  malice  and  displeasure  thou  showldest  beare  me.  In 
4 deede  the  name  only  remaineth  with  me  : for  the  rest,  the 
4 envie  and  crueltie  of  the  people  of  Rome  have  taken  from 
4 me,  by  the  sufferance  of  the  dastardly  nobilitie  and  magis- 
4 trates,  who  have  forsaken  me,  and  let  me  be  banished  by  the 
4 people.  This  extremitie  hath  now  driven  me  to  come  as  a 
4 poore  suter,  to  take  thy  chimney  harthe,  not  of  any  hope  I 
4 have  to  save  my  life  thereby.  For  if  I had  feared  death,  I 
4 would  not  have  come  hither  to  have  put  my  life  in  hazard  : 

4 but  prickt  forward  with  spite  and  desire  I have  to  be  revenged 
4 of  them  that  thus  have  banished  me,  whom  now  I beginne  to 
4 be  avenged  on,  putting  my  persone  betweene  thy  enemies. 
4 Wherefore,  if  thou  hast  any  harte  to  be  wrecked  of  the 
4 injuries  thy  enemies  have  done  thee,  spede  thee  now,  and  let 
4 my  miserie  serve  thy  turne,  and  so  use  it,  as  my  service  maye 
4 be  a benefit  to  the  Volsces : promising  thee,  that  I will  fight 
4 with  better  good  will  for  all  you,  then  ever  I dyd  when  I 
4 was  against  you,  knowing  that  they  fight  more  valliantly, 
4 who  knowe  the  force  of  their  enemie,  then  such  as  have 
4 never  proved  it.  And  if  it  be  so  that  thou  dare  not,  and 
4 that  thou  art  wearye  to  prove  fortune  any  more : then  am 
4 I also  weary  to  live  any  lenger.  And  it  were  no  wisedome 
4 in  thee,  to  save  the  life  of  him,  who  hath  bene  heretofore 
4 thy  mortall  enemie,  and  whose  service  now  can  nothing 
4 helpe  nor  pleasure  thee.’  Tullus  hearing  what  he  sayed, 
was  a marvelous  glad  man,  and  taking  him  by  the  hande,  he 
sayed  unto  him : Stande  up,  O Martius,  and  bee  of  good 
chere,  for  in  profering  thy  selfe  unto  us,  thou  dost  us  great 
honour : and  by  this  meanes  thou  mayest  hope  also  of  greater 
things,  at  all  the  Volsces  handes.  So  he  feasted  him  for  that 
time,  and  entertained  him  in  the  honorablest  manner  he 
could,  talking  with  him  in  no  other  matters  at  that  pre- 
sent : but  within  fewe  dayes  after,  they  fell  to  consultation 
together,  in  what  sorte  they  should  beginne  their  warres. 
Now  on  thother  side,  the  cittie  of  Rome  was  in  marvelous 
170 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

uprore,  and  discord,  the  iiobilitie  against  the  communaltie,  CORIO- 

and  chiefly  for  Martius  condemnation  and  banishment.  LANUS 

Moreover  the  priestes,  the  Soothesayers,  and  private  men  Great  dissen- 
also,  came  and  declared  to  the  Senate  certaine  sightes  and  at  Rome 
wonders  in  the  ayer,  which  they  had  seene,  and  were  to  be  banishment;118 
considered  of:  amongest  the  which,  such  a vision  happened. 

There  was  a cittizen  of  Rome  called  Titus  Latinus,  a man 
of  meane  qualitie  and  condition,  but  otherwise  an  honest 
sober  man,  geven  to  a quiet  life,  without  superstition,  and 
much  lesse  to  vanitie  or  lying.  This  man  had  a vision  in 
his  dreame,  in  the  which  he  thought  that  Iupiter  appeared 
unto  him,  and  commaunded  him  to  signifie  to  the  Senate, 
that  they  had  caused  a very  vile  lewde  daunser  to  goe  before 
the  procession : and  sayed,  the  first  time  this  vision  had 
appeared  unto  him,  he  made  no  reckoning  of  it : and 
comming  againe  another  time  into  his  minde,  he  made  not 
muche  more  accompt  of  the  matter  then  before.  In  the 
ende,  he  sawe  one  of  his  sonnes  dye,  who  had  the  best  nature 
and  condition  of  all  his  brethern:  and  sodainely  he  him 
selfe  was  so  taken  in  all  his  limmes,  that  he  became  lame 
and  impotent.  Hereupon  he  tolde  the  whole  circumstance 
of  this  vision  before  the  Senate,  sitting  upon  his  litle  couche 
or  bedde,  whereon  he  was  caried  on  mens  armes  : and  he  had 
no  sooner  reported  this  vision  to  the  Senate,  but  he  presently 
felt  his  bodie  and  limmes  restored  again,  to  their  former 
strength  and  use.  So  raising  up  him  self  upon  his  couche, 
he  got  up  on  his  feete  at  that  instant,  and  walked  home  to 
his  house,  without  helpe  of  any  man.  The  Senate  being 
amazed  at  this  matter,  made  diligent  enquierie  to  understand 
the  trothe : and  in  the  ende  they  found  there  was  such  a 
thing.  There  was  one  that  had  delivered  a bondman  of  his 
that  had  offended  him,  into  the  hands  of  other  slaves  and 
bondemen,  and  had  commanded  them  to  whippe  him  up  and 
down  the  market  place,  and  afterwards  to  kill  him  : and  as 
they  had  him  in  execution,  whipping  him  cruelly,  they  dyd 
so  martyre  the  poore  wretch,  that  for  the  cruell  smarte  and 
payne  he  felt,  he  turned  and  writhed  his  bodie,  in  straunge 
and  pittiefull  sorte.  The  procession  by  chaunce  came  by 
even  at  the  same  time,  and  many  that  followed  it,  were 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


TheRomaines 
manner  of 
punishing 
their  slaves. 


Whereof 

Furcifer 

came. 


A ceremonie 
instituted  by 
king  Numa, 
touching  re- 
ligion. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

hartely  moved  and  offended  with  the  sight,  saying : that 
this  was  no  good  sight  to  behold,  nor  mete  to  be  met  in 
procession  time.  But  for  all  this,  there  was  nothing  done : 
saving  they  blamed  and  rebuked  him,  that  punished  his  slave 
so  cruelly.  For  the  Romaines  at  that  time,  dyd  use  their 
bondemen  very  gently,  bicause  they  them  selves  dyd  labour 
with  their  owne  hands,  and  lived  with  them,  and  emong  them  : 
and  therefore  they  dyd  use  them  the  more  gently  and 
familliarly.  For  the  greatest  punishment  they  gave  a slave 
that  had  offended,  was  this.  They  made  him  carie  a limmer 
on  his  showlders  that  is  fastened  to  the  axeltree  of  a coche, 
and  compelled  him  to  goe  up  and  downe  in  that  sorte 
amongest  all  their  neighbours.  He  that  had  once  abidden 
this  punishement,  and  was  seene  in  that  manner,  was  pro- 
claimed and  cried  in  every  market  towne : so  that  no  man 
would  ever  trust  him  after,  and  they  called  him  Furcifer, 
bicause  the  Latines  call  the  wodd  that  ronneth  into  the 
axeltree  of  the  coche,  Furca , as  muche  to  saye,  as  a forke. 
Now  when  Latinus  had  made  reporte  to  the  Senate  of  the 
vision  that  had  happened  to  him,  they  were  devising  whom 
this  unpleasaunt  daunser  should  be,  that  went  before  the 
procession.  Thereupon  certain  that  stoode  by,  remembred 
the  poore  slave  that  was  so  cruelly  whipped  through  the 
market  place,  whom  they  afterwardes  put  to  death  : and  the 
thing  that  made  them  remember  it,  was  the  straunge  and 
rare  manner  of  his  punishment.  The  priestes  hereupon 
were  repaired  unto  for  advise : they  were  wholy  of  opinion, 
that  it  was  the  whipping  of  the  slave.  So  they  caused  the 
slaves  master  to  be  punished,  and  beganne  againe  a newe 
procession,  and  all  other  showes  and  sightes  in  honour  of 
Iupiter.  But  hereby  appeareth  plainely,  how  king  Numa 
dyd  wisely  ordaine  all  other  ceremonies  concerning  devotion 
to  the  goddes,  and  specially  this  custome  which  he  stablished, 
to  bring  the  people  to  religion.  For  when  the  magistrates, 
bishoppes,  priests,  or  other  religious  ministers  goe  about  any 
divine  service,  or  matter  of  religion,  an  herauld  ever  goeth 
before  them,  crying  out  alowde,  Hoc  age : as  to  saye,  doe 
this,  or  minde  this.  Hereby  they  are  specially  commaunded, 
wholy  to  dispose  them  selves  to  serve  God,  leaving  all  other 
172 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


busines  and  matters  a side  : knowing  well  enough,  that 
whatsoever  most  men  doe,  they  doe  it  as  in  a manner  con- 
strained unto  it.  But  the  Romaines  dyd  ever  use  to  beginne 
againe  their  sacrifices,  processions,  playes,  and  suche  like 
showes  done  in  honour  of  the  goddes,  not  only  upon  suche 
an  occasion,  but  apon  lighter  causes  then  that.  As  when 
they  went  a procession  through  the  cittie,  and  dyd  carie  the 
images  of  their  goddes,  and  suche  other  like  holy  relikes 
upon  open  hallowed  coches  or  charrets,  called  in  Latin 
Thensce : one  of  the  coche  horses  that  drue  them  stoode  still, 
and  would  drawe  no  more : and  bicause  also  the  coche  man 
tooke  the  raynes  of  the  bridle  with  the  left  hande,  they 
ordained  that  the  procession  should  be  begonne  againe  a 
newe.  Of  later  time  also,  they  dyd  renewe  and  beginne  a 
sacrifice  thirtie  times  one  after  another,  bicause  they  thought 
still  there  fell  out  one  faulte  or  other  in  the  same,  so  holy 
and  devout  were  they  to  the  goddes.  Now  Tullus  and 
Marti  us  had  secret  conference  with  the  greatest  personages 
of  the  cittie  of  Antium,  declaring  unto  them,  that  now  they 
had  good  time  offered  them  to  make  warre  with  the  Romaines, 
while  they  were  in  dissention  one  with  another.  They  aun- 
swered  them,  they  were  ashamed  to  breake  the  league,  con- 
sidering that  they  were  sworne  to  keepe  peace  for  two  yeres. 
Howbeit  shortely  after,  the  Romaines  gave  them  great 
occasion  to  make  warre  with  them.  For  on  a holy  daye 
common  playes  being  kept  in  Rome,  apon  some  suspition, 
or  false  reporte,  they  made  proclamation  by  sound  of  trumpet, 
that  all  the  Volsces  should  avoyde  out  of  Rome  before  sunne 
set.  Some  thin  eke  this  was  a r.rafte  and  Receipt.  of  Martius, 
who  sent-one  to  Rome  ta  the  . Consuls,  to  accuse  the  Volsces 
falsely,  advertising  them  howe  they  had  made  a conspiracie 
to  set  apon  them,  whilest  they  were  busie  in  seeing  these 
games,  and  also  to  set  their  cittie  a fyre.  This  open  pro- 
clamation made  all  the  Volsces  more  offended  with  the 
Romaines,  then  ever  they  were  before  : and  Tullus  agravating 
the  matter,  dyd  so  inflame  the  Volsces  against  them,  that  in 
the  ende  they  sent  their  ambassadours  to  Rome,  to  summone 
them  to  deliver  their  landes  and  townes  againe,  which  they  had 
taken  from  them  in  times  past,  or  to  looke  for  present  warres. 

173 


CORIO- 

LANUS 

The  supersti- 
tion of  the 
Romaines. 


Thensce . 


The  Romaines 
gave  the 
Volsces  occa- 
sion of  warres. 


Martius 
Coriolanus 
craftie  accusa- 
tion of  the 
Volsces. 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


Coriolanus 
chosen  gener- 
all  of  the  Vol- 
sces, with 
Tullus  Aufi- 
dius  against 
theRomaines. 


Coriolanus 
invadeth  the 
territories 
of  the  Ro- 
manies. 


A fine  devise 
to  make  the 
communaltie 
suspect  the 
nobilitie. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

The  Romaines  hearing  this,  were  marvelously  netled : and 
made  no  other  aunswer  but  thus : If  the  Volsces  be  the  first 
that  beginne  warre : the  Romaines  will  be  the  last  that  will 
ende  it.  Incontinently  upon  returne  of  the  Volsces  am- 
bassadours,  and  deliverie  of  the  Romaines  aunswer : Tullus 
caused  an  assembly  generall  to  be  made  of  the  Volsces,  and 
concluded  to  make  warre  apon  the  Romaines.  This  done, 
Tullus  dyd  counsell  them  to  take  Martius  into  their  service, 
and  not  to  mistrust  him  for  the  remembraunce  of  any  thing 
past,  but  boldely  to  trust  him  in  any  matter  to  come : for 
he  would  doe  them  more  service  in  fighting  for  them,  then 
ever  he  dyd  them  displeasure  in  fighting  against  them.  So 
Martius  was  called  forth,  who  spake  so  excellently  in  the 
presence  of  them  all,  that  he  was  thought  no  lesse  eloquent 
in  tongue,  then  warlike  in  showe : and  declared  him  selfe 
both  expert  in  warres,  and  wise  with  valliantnes.  Thus  he 
was  joyned  in  commission  with  Tullus  as  generall  of  the 
Volsces,  having  absolute  authoritie  betwene  them  to  follow 
and  pursue  the  warres.  But  Martius  fearing  least  tract  of 
time  to  bring  this  armie  togither  with  all  the  munition  and 
furniture  of  the  Volsces,  would  robbe  him  of  the  meane  he 
had  to  execute  his  purpose  and  intent : left  order  with  the 
rulers  and  chief  of  the  cittie,  to  assemble  the  rest  of  their 
power,  and  to  prepare  all  necessary  provision  for  the  campe. 
Then  he  with  the  lightest  souldiers  he  had,  and  that  were 
willing  to  folio  we  him,  stale  awaye  upon  the  sodaine,  and 
marched  with  all  speede,  and  entred  the  territories  of  Rome, 
before  the  Romaines  heard  any  newes  of  his  comming.  In 
so  much  the  Volsces  found  such  spoyle  in  the  fields,  as  they 
had  more  then  they  could  spend  in  their  campe,  ,and  were 
wearie  to  drive  and  carie  awaye  that  they  had.  / Howbeit 
the  gayne  of  the  spoyle  and  the  hurte  they  qyd  to  the 
Romaines  in  this  invasion,  was  the  least  parte  of  his  intent. 
For  his  chiefest  purpose  was,  to  increase  still  the  malice  and 
dissention  betweene  the  nobilitie,  and  the  communaltie  : and 
to  drawe  that  on,  he  was  very  carefull  to  keepe  the  noble 
mens  landes  and  goocls  safe  from  harme  and  burning,  but 
spoyled  all  the  whole  countrie  besides,  and  would  suffer 
no  man  to  take  or  hurte  any  thing  of  the  noble  mens.  This 
174 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

made  greater  sturre  and  broyle  betweene  the  nobilitie  and  CORIO- 

people,  then  was  before.  For  the  noble  men  fell  out  with  LANUS 

the  people,  bicause  they  had  so  unjustly  banished  a man  of  Great  harte 

so  great  valure  and  power.  The  people  on  thother  side,  burning 

accused  the  nobilitie,  how  they  had  procured  Martius  to  ^obTutie^nd 

make  these  warres,  to  be  revenged  of  them  : bicause  it  pleased  people. 

them  to  see  their  goodes  burnt  and  spoyled  before  their 

eyes,  whilest  them  selves  were  well  at  ease,  and  dyd  behold 

the  peoples  losses  and  misfortunes,  and  knowing  their  owne 

goodes  safe  and  out  of  daunger : and  howe  the  warre  was  not 

made  against  the  noble  men,  that  had  the  enemie  abroad, 

to  keepe  that  they  had  in  safety.  Now  Martius  having  done 

this  first  exploite  (which  made  the  Volsces  bolder,  and  lesse 

fearefull  of  the  Romaines)  brought  home  all  the  armie 

againe,  without  losse  of  any  man.  After  their  whole  armie 

(which  was  marvelous  great,  and  very  forward  to  service) 

was  assembled  in  one  campe : they  agreed  to  leave  parte  of 

it  for  garrison  in  the  countrie  about,  and  the  other  parte 

should  goe  on,  and  make  the  warre  apon  the  Romaines. 

So  Martius  bad  Tullus  choose,  and  take  which  of  the  two 
charges  he  liked  best.  Tullus  made  him  aunswer,  he  knewe 
by  experience  that  Martius  was  no  lesse  valliant  then  him 
selfe,  and  howe  he  ever  had  better  fortune  and  good  happe 
in  all  battells,  then  him  selfe  had.  Therefore  he  thought  it 
best  for  him  to  have  the  leading  of  those  that  should  make 
the  warres  abroade  : and  him  selfe  would  keepe  home,  to 
provide  for  the  safety  of  the  citties  and  of  his  countrie,  and 
to  furnishe  the  campe  also  of  all  necessary  provision  abroade. 

So  Martius  being  stronger  then  before,  went  first  of  all 
unto  the  cittie  of  Circees,  inhabited  by  the  Romaines,  who 
willingly  yelded  them  selves,  and  therefore  had  no  hurte. 

From  thence,  he  entred  the  countrie  of  the  Latines,  imagin- 
ing the  Romaines  would  fight  with  him  there,  to  defend  the 
Latines,  who  were  their  confederates,  and  had  many  times 
sent  unto  the  .Romaines  for  their  ayde.  But  on  the  one 
side,  the  people  of  Rome  were  very  ill  willing  to  goe  : and  on 
the  other  side  the  Consuls  being  apon  their  going  out  of  their 
office,  would  not  hazard  them  selves  for  so  small  a time  : so 
that  the  ambassadours  of  the  Latines  returned  home  againe, 

175 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


Lavinium 
built  by 
iEneas. 


and  dyd  no  good.  Then  Martius  dyd  besiege  their  citties, 
and  having  taken  by  force  the  townes  of  the  Tolerinians, 
Vicanians,  Pedanians,  and  the  Bolanians,  who  made  resist- 
ance : he  sacked  all  their  goodes*  and  tooke  them  prisoners. 
Suche  as  d yd^ eld^tliem willingly  unto  him,  he  was 
as  carefull  as  possible  might  be  to  defend  them  fromJmrte : 
and  bicause  they  should  recey  ve  no  damage  by  his  will,  he 
removed  his  campe  as  farre  from  their  confines  as  he  could. 
Afterwards,  he  tooke  the  cittie  of  Boles  by  assault,  being 
about  an  hundred  furlonge  from  Rome,  where  he  had  a mar- 
velous great  spoyle,  and  put  every  man  to  the  sword  that 
was  able  to  carie  weapon.  The  other  Volsces  that  were 
appointed  to  remaine  in  garrison  for  defence  of  their  countrie, 
hearing  this  good  newes,  would  tary  no  lenger  at  home,  but 
armed  them  selves,  and  ranne  to  Martius  campe,  saying  they 
dyd  acknowledge  no  other  captaine  but  him.  Hereupon 
his  fame  ranne  through  all  Italie,  and  every  one  praised  him 
for  a valliant  captaine,  for  that  by  channge  of  ope  map^for 
another,  suche  and  so  straunge  events  felloutjn  the  state. 
In  this  while,  all  went  still  to  wrackg_~at  Rome.  For,  to 
come  mto  the  field  to  fight  withThe  enemie,  they  could  not 
abyde  to  heare  of  it,  they  were  one  so  muche  against  another, 
and  full  of  seditious  wordes,  the  nobilitie  against  the  people, 
and  the  people  against  the  nobilitie.  Untill  they  had 
intelligence  at  the  length  that  the  enemies  had  layed  seige 
to  the  cittie  of  Lavinium,  in  the  which  were  all  the  temples 
and  images  of  the  goddes  their  protectours,  and  from  whence 
came  first  their  auncient  originall,  for  that  iEneas  at  his  first 
arrivall  into  Italie  dyd  build  that  cittie.  Then  fell  there 
out  a marvelous  sodain  chaunge  ofjnundejGmpng  the  people, 
and  farreTnore  straunge  and  contrarie  in  the  nobilitie.  For 
the  people  thought  good  to  repeals*  the  condemnation  and 
exile  of  Martius.  The  Senate  assembled  upon  it,  would  in 
no  case  yeld  to  that.  Who  either  dy3  it  of  a selfe  will  to 
be  contrarie  to  the  peoples  desire  : or  bicause  Martius  should 
not  returne  through  the  grace  and  favour  t)f  the  people. 
Or  els,  bicause  they  were  throughly  angrie  and  offended 
with  him,  that  he  would  set  apon  the  whole,  being  offended 
but  by  a fewe,  and  in  his  doings  would  shewe  him  selfe  an 
176  


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


open  enemie  besides  unto  his  countrie  : notwithstanding  the 
most  parte  of  them  tooke  the  wrong  they  had  done  him,  in 
marvelous  ill  parte,  and  as  if  the  injurie  had  bene  done  unto 
them  selves.  Reporte  being  made  of  the  Senates  resolution, 
the  people  founde  them  selves  in  a straight:  for  they  could 
authorise  and  confirme  nothing  by  their  voyces,  unles  it 
had  bene  first  propounded  and  ordeined  by  the  Senate. 
But  Martius  hearing  this  sturre  about  him,  was  in  a greater 
rage  with  them  then  before : in  so  muche  as  he  raised  his 
sei^ej^rjcontin^ut'y  before  the  cittie  of  Lavinium,  and  going 
towardes~Rome,  lodged  his  campe  within  fortie  furlonge  of 
the  cittie,  at  the  ditches  called  Cluiliae.  His  incamping  so 
neere  Rome,  dyd  put  all  the  whole  cittie  in  a wonderfull 
feare  : howbeit  for  the  present  time  it  appeased  the  sedition 
and  dissention  betwext  the  Nobilitie  and  the  people.  For 
there  was  no  Consul,  Senatour,  nor  Magistrate,  that  durst 
once  contrarie  the  opinion  of  the  people,  for  the  calling 
home  againe  of  Martius.  When  they  sawe  the  women  in 
a marvelous  feare,  ronning  up  and  downe  the  cittie : the 
temples  of  the  goddes  full  of  olde  people,  weeping  bitterly 
in  their  prayers  to  the  goddes  : and  finally,  not  a man  either 
wise  or  hardie  to  provide  for  their  safetie  : then  they  were 
all  of  opinion,  that  the  people  had  reason  to  call  home 
Martius  againe,  to  reconcile  them  selves  to  him,  and  that 
the  Senate  on  the  contrary  parte,  were  in  marvelous  great 
faulte  to  be  angrie  and  in  choller  with  him,  when  it  stoode 
them  upon  rather  to  have  gone  out  and  intreated  him.  So 
they  all  agreed  together  to  send  ambassadours  unto  him,  to 
let  him  understand  howe  his  countrymen  dyd  call  him  home 
againe,  and  restored  him  to  all  his  goodes,  and  besought 
him  to  deliver  them  from  this  warre.  The  ambassadours 
that  were  sent,  were  Martius  familliar  friendes,  andacquaint- 
auncep^hcrtooked  Kt  the  least  for  a curteous  welcome  of 
him,  as  of  their  familliar  friende  and  kynseman.  Howbeit 
they  founde  nothing  lesse.  For  at  their  comming,  they 
wer^brought  through  the  campe,  to  the  place  where  he 
was  set  in  his  chayer  of  state,  with  a marvelous  and  an  un- 
speakable majestie,  having  the  chiefest  men  of  the  Volsces 
about  him : so  he  commaunded  them  to  declare  openly  the 
2 : Z 177 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


v. 


The  Romanies 
send  ambas- 
sadours to 
Coriolanus  to 
treate  of 
peace. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


CORIO-  cause  of  their  comming.  Which  they  delivered  in  the  most 
LANUS  humble  and  lowly  wordes  they  possiblie  could  devise,  and 
dth  all  modest  countenaunce  and  behaviour  agreable  for 
the  same.  When  they  had  done  their  message : for  the 
injurie  they  had  done  him,  he  aunswered  them  very  hottely, 
and  in  great,  cboller. But  as  general!  of  the  Yolsces,  he 
willed  them  to  restore  unto  the  Volsces,  all  their  landes  and 
citties  they  had  taken  from  them  in  former  warres : and 
moreover,  that  they  should  geve  them  the  likejionour  and 
freedome  of  Rome,  as  they  had  before  geven  to  the  Latines. 
For  otherwise  they  had  no  other  meane  to  ende  this  warre, 
if  they  dyd  not  graunte  these  honest  and  just  conditions  of 
peace.  Thereupon  he  gave  them  thirtie  dayes  respit  to  make 
him  aunswer.  So  the  ambassadours  returned  straight  to 
Rome,  and  Martius  forthwith  departed  with  his  armie  out  of 
the  territories  of  the  Romaines.  .This  was  the  first  matter 
Thefirst  occa-  wherewith  the  Volsces  (that  most  enviedHVIartius  glorie  and 
sion  of  the  authoritie)  dyd  charge  Martius  with.  Among  those*  Tulhis 
Volsces  envy  was  . w}10  though  he  had  receyved  no  private  injurie 
or  displeasure  of  Martius,  yet  the  common  faulte  and  im- 
perfection of  mans  nature  wrought  In  him,  and  it  grieved 
him  to  see  his  owne  reputation  bleamished,  through  Martius 
great  fame  and  honour,  and  so  him  selfejtcLbeJjesse  esteemed 
of  the  Volsces,  then  he  was  before.  This  fell  out  the  more, 
bicause  every  man  honoured  Martius,  and  thought  he  only 
could  doe  all,  and  that  all  other  governours  and  captaines 
must  be  content  with  suche  credit  and  authoritie,  as  he  would 
please  to  countenaunce  them  with.  From  hence  they  derived 
all  their  first  accusations  and  secret  murmurings  against 
Martius.  For  private  captaines  conspiring  against  him,  were 
very  angrie  with  him : and  gave  it  out,  that  the  removing 
of  the  campe  was  a manifest  treason,  not  of  the  townes,  nor 
fortes,  nor  of  armes,  but  of  time  and  occasion,  which  was  a 
losse  of  great  importaunce,  bicause  it  was  that  which  in 
treason  might  both  lose  and  binde  all,  and  preserve  the 
whole.  Now  Martius  having  geven  the  Romaines  thirtie 
dayes  respit  for  their  aunswer,  and  specially  bicause  the 
warres  have  not  accustomed  to  make  any  great  chaunges,  in 
lesse  space  of  time  then  that : he  thought  it  good  yet,  not 
178 


1/ 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

to  lye  a sleepe  idle  all  the  while,  but  went  and  destroyed  the 
landes  of  the  enemies  allies,  and  tooke  seven  citties  of  theirs 
well  inhabited,  and  the  Romaines  durst  not  once  put  them 
selves  into  the  field,  to  come  to  their  ayde  and  helpe : they 
were  so  fainte  harted,  so  mistrustfull,  and  lothe  besides  to 
make  warres.  In  so  muche  as  they  properly  ressembled  the 
bodyes  paralyticke,  and  losed  of  their  limmes  and  mem- 
bers : as  those  which  through  the  palsey  have  lost  all  their 
sence  and  feeling.  Wherefore,  the  time  of  peace  expired, 

Martius  being  returned  into  the  dominions  of  the  Romaines 
againe  with  all  his  armie,  they  sent  another  ambassade  unto  Another  am- 
him,  to  praye  peace,  and  the  remove  of  the  Volsces  out  of  bassade  sent 
their  countrie  : that  afterwardes  they  might  with  better  to  Cori°lanus* 
leysure  fall  to  suche  agreementes  together,  as  should  be 
thought  most  mete  and  necessarie.  For  the  Romaines  were 
no  men  that  would  ever  y eld  for  feare.  But  if  he  thought 
' the  VolscesTTad  any  grounde  to  demaunde  reasonable  articles 
and  conditions,  all  that  they  would  reasonably  aske  should 
be  graunted  unto,  by  the  Romaines,  who  of  them  selves 
would  willingly  yeld  to  reason,  conditionally,  that  they  dyd 
laye  downe  armes.  Martius  tp  that  aunswered : that  as 
generall  of  the  Volsces  he  would  replie  nothing  unto  it.  But 
yet  as  a Romaine  cittizen,  he  would  caunsgll  them  to  let 
fall  their  pride,  and  to  be  conformable  to  reason,  if  they 
were  wise : and  that  they  should  returne  againe  within 
three  dayes,  delivering  up  the  articles  agreed  upon,  which 
he  had  first  delivered  them.  Or  otherwise,  that  he  would 
no  more  geve  them  assuraunce  or  safe  conduite  to  returne 
againe  into  his  campe,  with  suche  vaine  and  frivolous  mes- 
sages. When  the  ambassadours  were  returned  to  Rome, 
and  had  reported  Martius  aunswer  to  the  Senate  : their  cittie 
being  in  extreme  daunger,  and  as  it  were  in  a terrible  storme 
or  tempest,  they  threw  out  (as  the  common  proverbe  sayeth) 
their  holy  ancker.  For  then  they  appointed  all  the  bishoppes,  The  priestes 
priestes,  ministers  of  the  goddes,  and  keepers  of  holy  things,  and  soothe- 
and  all  the  augures  or  soothesayers,  which  foreshowe  things  t0 

to  come  by  observation  of  the  flying  of  birdes  (which  is  an 
olde  auncient  kynde  of  prophecying  and  divination  amongest 
the  Romaines)  to  goe  to  Martius  apparelled,  as  when  they 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

CORIO-  doe  their  sacrifices:  and  first  to  intreate  him  to  leave  of 

LANUS  warre,  and  then  that  he  would  speake  to  his  contrymen, 

and  conclude  peace  with  the  Volsces.  Martius  suffered  them 
to  come  into  his  campe,  but  yet  he  graunted  them  nothing 
the  more,  neither  dyd  he  entertaine  them  or  speake  more 
curteously  to  them,  then  he  dyd  the  first  time  that  they 
came  unto  him,  saving  only  that  he  willed  them  to  take 
the  one  of  the  two : either  to  accept  peace  under  the  first 
conditions  offered,  or  els  to  receyve  warre.  When  all  this 
goodly  rable  of  superstition  and  priestes  were  returned,  it 
was  (determined  in  counsell  that  none  should  goe  out  of  the 
gates  of  the  cittie,  and  that  they  should  watche  and  warde 
upon  the  walles,  to  repulse  their  enemies  if  they  came  to 
assault  them:  referring  them  selves  and  all  their  hope  to 
time,  and  fortunes  uncertaine  favour,  not  knowing  otherwise 
howe  to  remedie  the  daunger.  Now  all  the  cittie  was  full 
of  tumult,  feare,  and  marvelous  doubt  what  would  happen  : 
untill  at  length  there  fell  out  suche  a like  matter,  as  Homer 
oftetimes  sayed  they  would  least  have  thought  of.  For  in 
great  matters,  that  happen  seldome,  Homer  sayeth,  and 
crieth  out  in  this  sorte, 

The  goddesse  Pallas  she,  with  her  fayer  glistering  eyes, 

dyd  put  into  his  minde  suche  thoughts,  and  made  him  so  devise. 

And  in  an  other  place  : 

But  sure  some  god  hath  ta’ne,  out  of  the  peoples  minde, 

both  wit  and  understanding  eke,  and  have  therewith  assynde 

some  other  simple  spirite,  in  steede  thereof  to  byde, 

that  so  they  might  their  doings  all,  for  lacke  of  wit  misguyde. 

And  in  an  other  place : 

The  people  of  them  selves,  did  either  it  consider, 

or  else  some  god  instructed  them,  and  so  they  joynde  together. 

Many  reckon  not  of  Homer,  as  referring  matters  unpos- 
sible, and  fables  of  no  likelyhoode  of  trothe,  unto  mans 
reason,  free  will,  or  j udgement : which  in  deede  is  not  his 
meaning.  But  things  true  and  likely,  he  maketh  to  depend 
of  our  owne  free  wil  and  reason.  For  he  oft  speaketh  these 
wordes : 

I have  thought  it  in  my  noble  harte. 

180 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

And  in  an  other  place  : 

Achilles  angrie  was,  and  sorie  for  to  heare 
him  so  to  say,  his  heavy  brest  was  fraught  with  pensive  feare. 

And  againe  in  an  other  place  : 

Bellerophon  (she)  could  not  move  with  her  fayer  tongue, 
so  honest  and  so  vertuous,  he  was  the  rest  among. 


But  in  wonderous  and  extraordinarie  thinges,  which  are 
done  by  secret  inspirations  and  motions,  he  doth  not  say 
that  God  taketh  away,  from  man  his  choyce  and  freedom 
of  will,  but  that  he  doth  move  it:  neither  that  he  doth 
worke  desire  in  us,  but  objecteth  to  our  mindes  certaine 
imaginations  whereby  we  are  lead  to  desire,  and  thereby 
doth  not  make  this  our  action  forced,  but  openeth  the  way 
to  our  will,  and  addeth  thereto  courage,  and  hope  of  suc- 
cesse.  For,  either  we  must  say,  that  the  goddes  meddle  not 
with  the  causes  and  beginninges  of  our  actions  : or  else  what 
other  meanes  have  they  to  helpe  and  further  men  ? It  is 
apparaunt  that  they  handle  not  our  bodies,  nor  move  not 
our  feete  and  handes,  when  there  is  occasion  to  use  them  : 
but  that  parte  of  our  minde  from  which  these  motions  pro- 
ceede,  is  induced  thereto,  or  caried  away  by  such  objectes 
and  reasons,  as  God  offereth  unto  it.  Now  the  Romaine 
Ladies  and  gentlewomen  did  visite  all  the  temples  and 
goddes  of  the  same,  to  make  their  prayers  unto  them  : but 
the  greatest  Ladies  (and  more  parte  of  them)  were  con- 
tinuallie  about  the  aulter  of  Jupiter  Capitolin,  emonge 
which  troupe  by  name,  was  Valeria,  Publicolaes  owne  sister. 

The  selfe  same  Publicola,  who  did  such  notable  service  to 
the  Romaines,  both  in  peace  and  warres  : and  was  dead 
also  certaine  y^ares  before,  as  we  have  declared  in  his  life. 

His  sister  Valeria  was  greatly  honoured  and  reverenced  Valeria 
amonge^allJdie  Romaines  : and  did  so  modestlie  and  wiselie  Publicolaes 
behave  her  selfe,  that  she  did  not  shame  nor  dishonour  the  slster- 
house  she  came  of.  So  she  sodainely  fell  into  suche  a fansie, 
as  we  have  rehearsed  before,  and  had  (by  some  god  as  I 
thinke)  taken  holde  of  a noble  devise.  Whereuppon  she 
rose,  and  thother  Ladies  with  her,  and  they  all  together 


181 


CORIO- 

LANUS 

Volumnia, 

Martius 

mother. 

The  wordes 
of  Valeria, 
unto  Volum- 
nia  and 
Virgilia. 


The  aunswere 
of  Volumnia 
to  the 
Romaine 
ladies. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

went  straight  to  the  house  of  Volumnia,  Martius  mother  : 
and  comming  into  her,  founde  her,  and  Martius  wife  her 
daughter  in  lawe  set  together,  and  havinge  her  husbande 
Martius  young  children  in  her  lappe.  Now  all  the  traine  of 
these  Ladies  sittinge  in  a ringe  rounde  about  her : Valeria 
first  beganne  to  speake  in  this  sorte  unto  her : ‘We  Ladies, 
‘ are  come  to  visite  you  Ladies  (my  Ladie  Volumnia  and 
‘ Virgilia)  by  no  direction  from  the  Senate,  nor  commaunde- 
‘ ment  of  other  magistrate  : but  through  the  inspiration  (as 
‘ I take  it)  of  some  god  above.  Who  havinge  taken  com- 
‘ passion  and  pitie  of  our  prayers,  hath  moved  us  to  come 
‘ unto  you,  to  intreate  you  in  a matter,  as  well  beneficiall 
‘ for  us,  as  also  for  the  whole  citizens  in  generall : but  to 
‘ your  selves  in  especiall  (if  it  please  you  to  credit  me)  and 
6 shall  redounde  to  our  more  fame  and  glorie,  then  the 
‘ daughters  of  the  Sabynes  obteined  in  former  age,  when 
‘ they  procured  lovinge  peace,  in  stead  of  hatefull  warre, 
‘ betwene  their  fathers  and  their  husbands.  Come  on  good 
‘ ladies,  and  let  us  goe  all  together  unto  Martius,  to  intreate 
‘ him  "to  take  pitie  uppon  us,  and  also  to  reporte  the  trothe 
‘ unto  him,  howe  muche  you  are  bounde  unto  the  citizens  : 
‘ who  notwithstandinge  they  have  susteined  greate  hurte 
‘ and  losses  by  him,  yet  they  have  not  hetherto  sought  re- 
‘ venge  apon  your  persons  by  any  discurteous  usage,  neither 
‘ ever  conceyved  any  suche  thought  or  intent  against  you*, 
‘ but  doe  deliver  ye  safe  into  his  handes,  though  thereby 
‘ they  looke  for  no  better  grace  or  clemency  from  him.’ 
When  Valeria  had  spoken  this  unto  them,  all  thother 
ladyes  together  with  one  voyce  confirmed  that  she  had 
sayed.  Then  Volumnia  in  this  sorte  did  aunswer  her : 
‘ My  good  ladies,  we  are  partakers  with  you  of  the  common 
‘ miserie  and  calamitie  of  our  countrie,  and  yet  our  griefe 
‘ exceedeth  yours  the  more,  by  reason  of  our  particular 
‘ misfortune : to  feele  the  losse  of  my  sonne  Martius  former 
‘ valiancie  and  glorie,  and  to  see  his  persone  environned 
‘ nowe  with  our  enemies  in  armes,  rather  to  see  him  foorth 
‘ comminge  and  safe  kept,  then  of  any  love  to  defende  his 
‘ persone.  But  yet  the  greatest  griefe  of  our  heaped  mis- 
‘ happes  is,  to  see  our  poore  countrie  brought  to  suche 
182 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

4 extremitie,  that  all  hope  of  the  safetie  and  preservation 
4 thereof,  is  nowe  unfortunately  cast  uppon  us  simple  women  : 
4 bicause  we  knowe  not  what  accompt  he  will  make  of  us, 
4 sence  he  hath  cast  from  him  all  care  of  his  naturall  countrie 
4 and  common  weale,  which  heretofore  he  hath  holden  more 
4 deere  and  precious,  then  either  his  mother,  wife,  or  children. 
4 Notwithstandinge,  if  ye  thinke  we  can  doe  good,  we  will 
4 willingly  doe  what  you  will  have  us : bringe  us  to  him  I 
4 pray  you.  For  if  we  can  not  prevaile,  we  maye  yet  dye 
4 at  his  feete,  as  humble  suters  for  the  safetie  of  our  countrie.’ 
Her  aunswere  ended,  she  tooke  her  daughter  in  lawe,  and 
Martius  children  with  her,  and  being  accompanied  with  all 
the^btheiTKomaine  ladies,  they  went  in  troupe  together  unto 
the  Volsces  campe : whome  when  they  sawe,  they  of  them 
selves  did  both  pitie  and  reverence  her,  and  there  was  not  a 
man  amonge  them  that  once  durst  say  a worde  unto  her. 
Nowe  was  Martius  set  then  in  his  chayer  of  state,  with  all 
the  honours  of  a generall,  and  when  he  had  spied  the  women 
comming  a farre  of,  he  marveled  what  the  matter  ment : 
but  afterwardes  knowing  his  wife  which  came  formest,  he 
determined  at  the  first  to  persist  in  his  obstinate  and  in- 
flexible rancker.  But  overcomen  in  the  ende  with  naturall 
affection,  and  being  altogether  altered  to  see  them  : his 
harte  would  not  serve  him  to  tarie  their  comming  to  his 
chayer,  but  comming  downe  in  hast,  he  went  to  meete  them, 
and  first  he  kissed  his  mother,  and  imbraced  her  a pretie 
while,  then  his  wife  and  title  children.  And  nature  so 
wrought  with  him,  that  the  teares  fell  from  his  eyes,  and 
he  coulde  not  keepe  him  selfe  from  making  much  of  them, 
but  yeelded [ to ^ jie„ affection,  of  his  bipod e,  as  if  he  had 
bene  violently  caried  with  the  furie  of  a most  swift  running 
streame.  After  he  had  thus  lovingly  received  them,  and 
perceivinge  that  his  mother  Volumnia  would  beginne  to 
speake  to  him,  he  called  the  chiefest  of  the  counsell  of  the 
Volsces  to  heare  what  she  would  say.  Then  she  spake  in 
this  sorte  : 4 If  we  helde  our  peace  (my  sonne)  and  determined 
4 not  to  speake,  the  state  of  our  poore  bodies,  and  present 
4 sight  of  our  rayment,  would  easely  bewray  to  thee  what 
4 life  we  have  led  at  home,  since  thy  exile  and  abode  abroad. 

183 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


The  oration 
of  Volumnia_, 
unto  her 
sonne  Corio- 
lanus. 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

* 

‘But  thinke  now  with  thy  selfe,  ho  we  much  more  unfor- 
4 tunatly,  then  all  the  women  livinge  we  are  come  hether, 
4 considering  that  the  sight  which  should  be  most  pleasaunt 
4 to  all  other  to  beholde,  spitefull  fortune  hath  made  most 
4 fearefull  to  us  : making  my  selfe  to  see  my  sonne,  and  my 
4 daughter  here,  her  husband,  besieging  the  walles  of  his 
4 native  countrie.  So  as  that  which  is  thonly  comforte  to 
4 all  other  in  their  adversitie  and  miserie,  to  pray  unto  the 
4 goddes,  and  to  call  to  them  for  aide : is  the  onely  thinge 
4 which  plongeth  us  into  most  deepe  perplexitie.  For  we 
4 can  not  (alas)  together  pray,  both  for  victorie,  for  our 
4 countrie,  and  for  safety  of  thy  life  also : but  a worlde  of 
4 grievous  curses,  yea  more  then  any  mortall  enemie  can  heape 
4 uppon  us,  are  forcibly  wrapt  up  in  our  prayers.  For  the 
4 bitter  soppe  of  most  harde  choyce  is  offered  thy  wife  and 
4 children,  to  forgoe  the  one  of  the  two : either  to  lose  the 
4 persone  of  thy  selfe,  or  the  nurse  of  their  native  contrie.  For 
4 my  selfe  (my  sonne)  I am  determined  not  to  tarie,  till  fortune 
4 in  my  life  time  doe  make  an  ende  of  this  warre.  For  if  I 
4 cannot  persuade  thee,  rather  to  doe  good  unto  both  parties, 

4 then  to  overthrowe  and  destroye  the  one,  preferring  love 
4 and  nature,  before  the  malice  and  calamitie  of  warres  : thou 
4 shalt  see,  my  sonne,  and  trust  unto  it,  thou  shalt  no  soner 
4 marche  forward  to  assault  thy  countrie,  but  thy  foote  shall 
4 treade  upon  thy  mothers  wombe,  that  brought  thee  first 
4 into  this  world.  And  I maye  not  deferre  to  see  the  daye, 

4 either  that  my  sonne  be  led  prisoner  in  triumphe  by  his 
4 naturall  country  men,  or  that  he  him  selfe  doe  triumphe 
4 of  them,  and  of  his  naturall  countrie.  For  if  it  were  so, 

4 that  my  request  tended  to  save  thy  countrie,  in  destroying 
4 the  Volsces  : I must  confesse,  thou  wouldest  hardly  and 
4 doubtfully  resolve  on  that.  For  as  to  destroye  thy  naturall 
4 countrie,  it  is  altogether  unmete  and  unlawfull : so  were  it 
4 not  just,  and  lesse  honorable,  to  betraye  those  that  put 
4 their  trust  in  thee.  But  my  only  demaunde  consisteth,  to 
4 make  a gayle  deliverie  of  all  evills,  which  delivereth  equall 
4 benefit  and  safety,  both  to  the  one  and  the  other,  but  most 
4 honorable  for  the  Volsces.  For  it  shall  appeare,  that  having 
4 victorie  in  their  handes,  they  have  of  speciall  favour  graunted 
184 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

4 us  singular  graces : peace,  and  amitie,  albeit  them  selves  have  CORIO- 
6 no  lesse  parte  of  both,  then  we.  Of  which  good,  if  so  it  LANUS 
6 came  to  passe,  thy  selfe  is  thonly  authour,  and  so  hast  thou 
4 thonly  honour.  But  if  it  faile,  and  fall  out  contrarie  : thy 
6 selfe  alone  deservedly  shall  carie  the  shamefull  reproche  and 
6 burden  of  either  partie.  So,  though  the  ende  of  warre  be 
4 uncertaine,  yet  this  notwithstanding  is  most  certaine  : that 
4 if  it  be  thy  chaunce  to  conquer,  this  benefit  shalt  thou  reape 
4 of  thy  goodly  conquest,  to  be  chronicled  the  plague  and 
4 destroyer  of  thy  countrie.  And  if  fortune  also  overthrowe 
4 thee,  then  the  world  will  saye,  that  through  desire  to  re- 
4 venge  thy  private  injuries,  thou  hast  for  ever  undone  thy 
4 good  friendes,  who  dyd  most  lovingly  and  curteously  recgyve 
4 thee.'*  Martius  gave  good  eare  unto  his  mothers  wordes, 
without  interrupting  her  speache  at  all : and  after  she  had 
sayed  what  she  would,  he  held  his  peace  a prety  while,  and 
aunswered  not  a worde.  Hereupon  she  beganne  againe  to 
speake  unto  him,  and  sayed : 4 My  sonne,  why  doest  thou 
4 not  aunswer  me  ? doest  thou  thin ke  it  good  altogether  to 
4 geve  place  unto  thy  ch  oiler  and  desire  of  revenge,  and 
4 thinkest  thou  it  not  honestie  for  thee  to  graunt  thy 
4 mothers  request,  in  so  weighty  a cause  ? doest  thou  take 
4 it  honorable  for  a noble  man,  to  remember  the  wronges 
4 and  injuries  done  him:  and  doest  not  in  like  case  thinke 
4 it  an  honest  noble  mans  parte,  to  be  thankefull  for  the 
4 goodnes  that  parents  doe  shewe  to  their  children,  acknow- 
4 ledging  the  duety  and  reverence  they  ought  to  beare  unto 
4 them  ? No  man  living  is  more  bounde  to  shewe  him  selfe 
4 thankefull  in  all  partes  and  respects,  then  thy  selfe : who 
4 so  unnaturally  sheweth  all  ingratitude.  Moreover  (my 
4 sonne)  thou  hast  sorely  taken  of  thy  countrie,  exacting 
4 grievous  payments  apon  them,  in  revenge  of  the  injuries 
4 offered  thee : besides,  thou  hast  not  hitherto  shewed  thy 
4 poore  mother  any  curtesie.  And  therefore,  it  is  not  only 
4 honest,  but  due  unto  me,  that  without  compulsion  I should 
4 obtaine  my  so  just  and  reasonable  request  of  thee.  But 
4 since  by  reason  I cannot  persuade  thee  to  it,  to  what  pur- 
4 pose  doe  I deferre  my  last  hope  ? ’ And  with  these  wordes, 
her  selfe,  his  wife  and  children,  fell  downe  upon  their  knees 
2 : AA  185 


CORIO- 

LANUS 

Coriolanus 
compassion 
his  mother. 


Coriolanus 
withdraweth 
his  armie 
from  Rome. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

before  him.  Martius  seeing  that,  could  refraine  no  lenger, 
but  went  straight  and  lifte  her  up,  crying  out : Oh  mother, 
what  have  you  done  to  me  ? And  holding  her  hard  by  the 
right  hande,  oil  mother,  sayed  he,  you  have  wonne  a happy 
victorie  for  your  countrie,  but  mortall  and  unhappy  for  your 
sonne  : for  I see  my  self  vanquished  by  you  alone.  These 
wordes  being  spoken  openly,  he  spake  a litle  a parte  with 
his  mother  and  wife,  and  then  let  them  returne  againe  to 
Rome,  for  so  they  dyd  request  him : and  so  remaining  in 
campe  that  night,  the  next  morning  he  dislodged,  and 
marched  homewardes  into  the  Volsces  countrie  againe,  who 
were  not  all  of  one  minde,  nor  all  alike  contented.  For 
some  misliked  him,  and  that  he  had  done.  Other  being  well 
pleased  that  peace  should  be  made,  sayed : that  neither  the 
one,  nor  the  other,  deserved  blame  nor  reproche.  Other, 
though  they  misliked  that  was  done,  dyd  not  thincke  him 
an  ill  man  for  that  he  dyd,  but  sayed : he  was  not  to  be 
blamed,  though  he  yelded  to  suche  a forcible  extremitie. 
Howbeit  no  man  contraried  his  departure,  but  all  obeyed 
his  commaundement,  more  for  respect  of  his  worthines  and 
valiancie,  then  for  feare  of  his  authoritie.  Now  the  cittizens 
of  Rome  plainely  shewed,  in  what  feare  and  daunger  their 
cittie  stoode  of  this  warre,  when  they  were  delivered.  For 
so  sone  as  the  watche  upon  the  walles  of  the  cittie  perceyved 
the  Volsces  campe  to  remove,  there  was  not  a temple  in  the 
cittie  but  was  presently  set  open,  and  full  of  men,  wearing 
garlands  of  flowers  upon  their  heads,  sacrificing  to  the  goddes, 
as  they  were  wont  to  doe  upon  the  newes  of  some  great  ob- 
teined  victorie.  And  this  common  joye  was  yet  more  mani- 
festly shewed,  by  the  honorable  curtesies  the  whole  Senate, 
and  people  dyd  bestowe  on  their  ladyes.  For  they  were  all 
throughly  persuaded,  and  dyd  certenly  beleeve,  that  the 
ladyes  only  were  cause  of  the  saving  of  the  cittie,  and  de- 
livering them  selves  from  the  instant  daunger  of  the  warre. 
Whereupon  the  Senate  ordeined,  that  the  magistrates  to 
gratifie  and  honour  these  ladyes,  should  graunte  them  all 
that  they  would  require.  And  they  only  requested  that 
they  would  build  a temple  of  Fortune  of  the  women,  for  the 
building  whereof  they  offered  them  selves  to  defraye  the 
186 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

whole  charge  of  the  sacrifices,  and  other  ceremonies  belong-  CORIO- 
ing  to  the  service  of  the  goddes.  Nevertheles,  the  Senate  LANUS 
commending  their  good  will  and  forwardnes,  ordeined,  that  The  temple 
the  temple  and  image  should  be  made  at  the  common  charge  fortune 
of  the  cittie.  Notwithstanding  that,  the  ladyes  gathered  the 

money  emong  them,  and  made  with  the  same  a second  image 
of  Fortune,  which  the  Romaines  saye  dyd  speake  as  they  The  image  of 
offred  her  up  in  the  temple,  and  dyd  set  her  in  her  place  : Fortunespake 
and  they  affirme,  that  she  spake  these  wordes  : Ladyes,  ye  ^ Rom^68  * 
have  devoutely  offered  me  up.  Moreover,  that  she  spake 
that  twise  together,  making  us  to  beleeve  things  that  never 
were,  and  are  not  to  be  credited.  For  to  see  images  that 
seeme  to  sweate  or  weepe,  or  to  put  forth  any  humour  red 
or  blowdie,  it  is  not  a thing  unpossible.  For  wodde  and 
stone  doe  commonly  recey  ve  certaine  moysture,  whereof  is  Of  the  sweat- 
ingendred  an  humour,  which  doe  yeld  of  them  selves,  or  doe  ingandvoyces 
take  of  the  ayer,  many  sortes  and  kyndes  of  spottes  and  ofima&es- 
cullers : by  which  signes  and  tokens  it  is  not  amisse  we 
thincke,  that  the  goddes  sometimes  doe  warne  men  of  things 
to  come.  And  it  is  possible  also,  that  these  images  and 
statues  doe  somtimes  put  forth  soundes,  like  unto  sighes  or 
mourning,  when  in  the  middest  or  bottome  of  the  same, 
there  is  made  some  violent  separation,  or  breaking  a sonder 
of  things,  blowen  or  devised  therein  : but  that  a bodie  which 
hath  neither  life  nor  soule,  should  have  any  direct  or  ex- 
quisite worde  formed  in  it  by  expresse  voyce,  that  is  alto- 
gether unpossible.  For  the  soule,  nor  god  him  selfe  can 
distinctly  speake  without  a bodie,  having  necessarie  organes 
and  instrumentes  mete  for  the  partes  of  the  same,  to  forme 
and  utter  distinct  wordes.  But  where  stories  many  times 
doe  force  us  to  beleeve  a thing  reported  to  be  true,  by  many 
grave  testimonies : there  we  must  saye,  that  it  is  some  pas- 
sion contrarie  to  our  five  naturall  sences,  which  being  be- 
gotten in  the  imaginative  parte  or  understanding,  draweth 
an  opinion  unto  it  selfe,  even  as  we  doe  in  our  sleeping.  For 
many  times  we  thinke  we  heare,  that  we  doe  not  heare  : and 
we  imagine  we  see,  that  we  see  not.  Yet  notwithstanding, 
such  as  are  godly  bent,  and  zealously  geven  to  thinke  apon 
heavenly  things,  so  as  they  can  no  waye  be  drawen  from  be- 

187 


CORIO- 

LANUS 

Of  the  omni- 
potencie  of 
God. 

1/ 


Tullus  Aufi- 
dius  seeketh 
to  kill  Corio- 
lanus. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

leeving  that  which  is  spoken  of  them,  they  have  this  reason 
to  grounde  the  foundation  of  their  beleefe  upon.  That  is, 
the  omnipotencie  of  God  which  is  wonderful!,  and  hath  no 
manner  of  resemblaunce  or  likelines  of  proportion  unto  ours, 
But  is  altogether  contrarie  as  touching  our  nature,  our  mov- 
ing, our  arte,  and  Our  force:  and  therefore  if  he  doe  any 
thing  unpossible  to  us,  or  doe  bring  forth  and  devise  things, 
without  mans  common  reache  and  understanding,  we  must 
not  therefore  thinke  it  unpossible  at  all.  For  if  in  other 
things  he  is  farre  contrarie  to  us,  muche  more  in  his  workes 
and  secret  operations,  he  farre  passeth  all  the  rest : but  the 
most  parte  of  goddes  doings,  as  Heraclitus  say eth,  for  lacke 
of  faith,  are  hidden  and  unknowen  unto  us.  Now  when 
Martius  was  returned  againe  into  the  cittie  of  Antium  from 
his  voyage,  Tullus  that  hated  and  could  no  lenger  abide  him 
for  the  feare  he  had  of  his  authoritie : sought  divers  meanes 
to  make  him  out  of  the  waye,  thinking  that  if  he  let  slippe 
that  present  time,  he  should  never  recover  the  like  and  fit 
occasion  againe.  Wherefore  Tullus  having  procured  many 
other  of  his  confederacy,  required  Martius  might  be  deposed 
from  his  estate,  to  render  up  accompt  to  the  Volsces  of  his 
charge  and  government.  Martius  fearing  to  become  a private 
man  againe  under  Tullus  being  generall  (whose  authoritie 
was  greater  otherwise,  then  any  other  emong  all  the  Volsces) 
aunswered : he  was  willing  to  geve  up  his  charge,  and  would 
resigne  it  into  the  handes  of  the  lordes  of  the  Volsces,  if  they 
dyd  all  commaund  him,  as  by  all  their  commaundement  he 
receyved  it.  And  moreover,  that  he  would  not  refuse  even 
at  that  present  to  geve  up  an  accompt  unto  the  people,  if 
they  would  tarie  the  hearing  of  it.  The  people  hereupon 
called  a common  counsaill,  in  which  assembly  there  were 
certen  oratours  appointed,  that  stirred  up  the  common  people 
against  him : and  when  they  had  tolde  their  tales,  Martius 
rose  up  to  make  them  aunswer.  Now,  notwithstanding  the 
mutinous  people  made  a marvelous  great  noyse,  yet  when 
they  sawe  him,  for  the  reverence  they  bare  unto  his  valliant- 
nes,  they  quieted  them  selves,  and  gave  still  audience  to 
alledge  with  leysure  what  he  could  for  his  purgation.  More- 
over, the  honestest  men  of  the  Antiates,  and  who  most  re- 
188 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

joyced  in  peace,  shewed  by  their  countenaunce  that  they  would 
heare  him  willingly,  and  judge  also  according  to  their  con- 
science. Whereupon  Tullus  fearing  that  if  he  dyd  let  him 
speake,  he  wdutd'pfOveHhTs  innocencie  to  the  people,  bicause 
emongest  other  things  he  had  an  eloquent  tongue,  besides 
that  the  first  good  service  he  had  done  to  the  people  of  the 
Volsces,  dyd  winne  him  more  favour,  then  these  last  accusa- 
tions could  purchase  him  displeasure  : and  furthermore,  the 
offence  they  layed  to  his  charge,  was  a testimonie  of  the  good 
will  they  ought  him,  for  they  would  never  have  thought  he 
had  done  them  wrong  for  that  they  tooke  not  the  cittie  of 
Rome,  if  they  had  not  bene  very  neere  taking  of  it,  by  meanes 
of  his  approche  and  conduction.  For  these  causes  Tullus 
thought  he  might  no  lenger  delaye  his  pretence  and  enter- 
prise, neither  to  tarie  for  the  mutining  and  rising  of  the 
common  people  against  him : wherefore,  those  that  were  of 
the  conspiracie,  beganne  to  crie  out  that  he  was  not  to  be 
heard,  nor  that  they  would  not  suffer  a tray  tour  to  usurpe 
tyrannicall  power  over  the  tribe  of  the  Volsces,  who  would 
not  yeld  up  his  estate  and  authoritie.  And  in  saying  these 
wordes,  they  all  fell  upon  him,  and  killed  him  in  tbe  market 
place,  ftoiie  ofthe  people  once  offering  to  rescue  him.  How- 
beit  it  is  a clere  case,  that  this  murder  was  not  generally 
consented  unto,  of  the  most  parte  of  the  Volsces : for  men 
came  out  of  all  partes  to  honour  his  bodie,  and  dyd  honor- 
ably burie  him,  setting  out  his  tombe  with  great  store  of 
armour  and  spoyles,  as  the  tombe  of  a worthie  persone  and 
great  captaine.  The  Romaines  understanding  of  his  death, 
shewed  no  other  honour  or  malice,  saving  that  they  graunted 
the  ladyes  the  request  they  made : that  they  might  mourne 
tenne  moneths  for  him,  and  that  was  the  fall  time  they  used 
to  weare  blackes  for  the  death  of  their  fathers,  brethern,  or 
husbands,  according  to  Numa  Pompilius  order,  who  stablished 
the  same,  as  we  have  enlarged  more  amplie  in  the  description 
of  his  life.  Now  Martius  being  dead,  the  whole  state  of  the 
Volsces  hartely  wished  him  alive  againe.  For  first  of  all 
they  fell  out  with  the  iEques  (who  were  their  friendes  and 
confederates)  touching  preheminence  and  place : and  this 
quarrell  grew  on  so  farre  bet  wen  e them,  and  frayes  and 

189 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


Coriolanus 
murdered  in 
the  cittie  of 
Antium. 


Coriolanus 

funeralles. 


The  time  of 
mourning- 
appointed 
by  Numa. 


CORIO- 

LANUS 


Tullus  Aufi- 
dius  slaine 
in  battell. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

murders  fell  out  apon  it  one  with  another.  After  that,  the 
Romaines  overcame  them  in  battell,  in  which  Tullus  was 
slaine  in  the  field,  and  the  flower  of  all  their  force  was  put 
to  the  sworde : so  that  they  were  compelled  to  accept  most 
shamefull  conditions  of  peace,  in  yelding  them  selves 
subject  unto  the  conquerers,  and  promising  to  be 
obedient  at  their  commandement. 


THE  COMPARISON  OF  ALCIBIADES 
WITH  MARTIUS  CORIOLANUS 


The  acts  done  that  we  have  written  all  the  dedes  of 

by  both.  ffl  w vfSfsXi ® worthie  memorie,  done  by  either  of  them 

both  : we  maye  presently  discerne,  that  in 
matters  of  warre,  the  one  hath  not  greatly 
exceeded  the  other.  For  both  of  them  in 
their  charge,  were  a like  hardie  and  valliant 
for  their  persones,  as  also  wise  and  politike 
in  the  warres : unles  they  will  saye,  that 
Alcibiades  was  the  better  captaine,  as  he  that  had  foughten 
more  battells  with  his  enemies,  both  by  sea  and  lande,  then 
ever  Coriolanus  had  done,  and  had  allwayes  the  victorie  of 
his  enemies.  For  otherwise,  in  this  they  were  much  a like  : 
that  where  they  were  both  present,  and  had  charge  and 
power  to  commaund,  all  things  prospered  notably,  and  with 
good  successe  on  the  parte  they  were  of : and  also  when  they 
tooke  the  contrary  side,  they  made  the  first  have  the  worse 
every  waye.  Now  for  matters  of  government,  the  noble  men 
/ and  honest^cittiz§ns  dyd  hate  Alcibiades  manner  of  rule  in 
the  common  weale,  as  of  a man  most  dissolute,  and  geven  to 
flatterie : bicause  he  ever  studied  by_  all  devise  he  could,  to 
currie  favour  with  the  common  people.  So  dyd  the  Romaines 
malice  also  Coriolanus  government,  for  that  it  was  to  arro- 
gant, prowde,  and  tyrannicall : whereby  neither  the  one  nor 
the  other  was  to  be  commended.  Notwithstanding,  he  is 
lesse  to  be  blamed,  that  seeketh  to  please  and  gratifie  his 
190 


ALCIBIA 

DES  AND 

CORIO- 

LANUS 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

common  people  : then  he  that  despiseth  and  disdaineth  them, 
and  therefore  offereth  them  wrong  and  injurie,  bicause  he 
would  not  seeme  to  flatter  them,  to  winne  the  more  authoritie. 

For  as  it  is  an  evill  thing  to  flatter  the  common  people  to 
winne  credit : even  so  is  it  besides  dishonesty,  and  inj  ustice 
also,  to  atteine  to  credit  and  authoritie,  for  one  to  make  him 
selfe  terrible  to  the  people,  by  offering  them  wrong  and 
violence.  It  is  true  that  Martius  was  ever  counted  an  honest 
natured  man,  plaine  and  simple,  without  arte  or  cunning: 

Howbeit  Alcibiades  merely  contrarie,  for  he  was  fine,  subtill, 

and  deceiptfull.  And  the  greatest  faulte  they  ever  burdened 

Alcibiades  for,  was  his  malice  and  deceipt,  wherewith  he 

abused  the  ambassadours  of  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  that 

he  was  a let  that  peace  was  not  concluded,  as  Thucydides 

reporteth.  Now,  though  by  this  acte  he  sodainly  brought  The  manners 

the  cittie  of  Athens  into  warres,  yet  he  brought  it  thereby  of  Alcibiades 

to  be  of  greater  power,  and  more  fearefull  to  the  enemies,  f^fu^orio" 

by  making  alliance  with  the  Mantinians  and  the  Argives, 

who  by  Alcibiades  practise  entred  into  league  with  the 

Athenians.  And  Martins,  as  Dionysius  the  historiographer 

writeth  : dyd  by  craft  and  deceipt  bring  the  Romaines  into 

warres  against  the  Volsces,  causing  the  Volsces  maliciously, 

and  wrongfully  to  be  suspected,  that  went  to  Rome  to  see 

the  games  played.  But  the  cause  why  he  dyd  it,  made  the 

fact  so  much  more  fowle  and  wicked.  For  it  was  not  done 

for  any  civill  dissention,  nor  for  any  jelouzy  and  contention 

in  matters  of  government,  as  Alcibiades  dyd : but  only 

following  his  cholerike  moode,  that  would  be  pleased  with 

no  thing,  as  Dion  sayed,  he  would  needes  trouble  and 

turmoile  the  most  parte  of  Italie,  and  so  beinge  angrie  with 

his  countrie,  he  destroyed  many  other  townes  and  cities  that 

could  not  helpe  it,  nor  doe  with  all.  This  is  true  also,  that 

Alcibiades  spite  and  malice  did  worke  great  mischiefe  and 

miserie  to  his  countrie  : but  when  he  saw  they  repented  them 

of  the  injurie  they  had  done  him,  he  came  to  him  selfe,  and 

did  withdrawe  his  armie.  An  other  time  also,  when  they 

had  banished  Alcibiades,  he  would  not  yet  suffer  the  captaines 

of  the  Athenians  to  runne  into  great  errours,  neither  would 

he  see  them  cast  away,  by  followinge  ill  counsell  which  they 

191 


ALCIBIA- 
DES  AND 
CORIO- 
LANUS 


\ 


Alcibiades 
and  Corio- 
lanus  manner 
for  money. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

tooke,  neither  would  he  forsake  them  in  any  daunger  they 
put  them  selves  into.  But  he  did  the  very  same  that 
Aristides  had  done  in  olde  time  unto  Themistocles,  for  which 
he  was  then,  and  is  yet  so  greatly  praised.  For  he  went  unto 
the  captaines  that  had  charge  then  of  the  armie  of  the 
Athenians,  although  they  were  not  his  friendes,  and  tolde 
them  wherein  they  did  amisse,  and  what  they  had  further  to 
doe.  Where  Martius  to  the  contrarie,  did  first  great  hurte 
unto  the  whole  citie  of  Rome,  though  all  in  Rome  had  not 
generally  offended  him  : yea,  and  when  the  best  and  chiefest 
parte  of  the  citie  were  grieved  for  his  sake,  and  were  very 
sorie  and  angrie  for  the  injurie  done  him.  Furthermore, 
the  Romaines  sought  to  appease  one  onely  displeasure  and 
despite  they  had  done  him,  by  many  ambassaaes,  petitions 
and  requestes  they  made,  whereunto  he  never  yelded,  while 
his  mother,  wife,  and  children  came,  his  harte  was  so  hardned. 
And  hereby  it  appeared  he  was  entred  into  this  cruell  warre 
(when  he  would  harken  to  no  peace)  of  an  intent  utterly  to 
destroy  and  spoyle  his  countrie,  and  not  as  though  he  ment 
to  recover  it,  or  to  retume  thither  againe.  Here  was  in 
deede  the  difference  betwene  them  : that  spialls  being  layed 
by  the  Lacedaemonians  to  kill  Alcibiades,  for  the  malice  they 
did  beare  him,  as  also  for  that  they  were  affray ed  of  him,  he 
was  compelled  to  returne  home  againe  to  Athens.  Where 
Martius  contrariwise,  having  bene  so  honorably  received  and 
entertained  by  the  Volsces,  he  could  not  with  honestie  forsake 
them,  consideringe  they  had  done  him  that  honour,  as  to 
choose  him  their  generall,  and  trusted  him  so  farre,  as  they 
put  all  their  whole  armie  and  power  into  his  handes  : and 
not  as  thother,  whome  the  Lacedaemonians  rather  abused, 
then  used  him,  suffering  him  to  goe  up  and  downe  their  citie 
(and  afterwardes  in  the  middest  of  their  campe)  without 
honour  or  place  at  all.  So  that  in  the  ende  Alcibiades  was 
compelled  to  put  him  selfe  into  the  handes  of  Tisaphernes : 
unlesse  they  will  say  that  he  went  thither  of  purpose  to  him, 
with  intent  to  save  the  citie  of  Athens  from  utter  destruction, 
for  the  desire  he  had  to  returne  home  againe.  Moreover, 
we  read  of  Alcibiades,  that  he  was  a great  taker,  and  would 
be  corrupted  with  money:  and  when  he  had  it,  he  would 
192 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

most  licentiously  and  dishonestly  spend  it.  Where  Martius  ALCIBIA- 
in  contrarie  maner  would  not  so  much  as  accept  giftes  lawe-  DES  and 

fully  offered  him  by  his  Captaines,  to  honour  him  for  his  lANUS 

valliantnesse.  And  the  cause  why  the  people  did  beare  him 
such  ill  will,  fox  the  controversie  they  had  with  the  Nobilitie 
about  clearing  of  dettes,  grew : for  that  they  knewe  well 
enough  it  was  not  for  any  gayne  or  benefit  he  had  gotten 
thereby,  so  much  as  it  was  for  spite  and  displeasure  he 
thought  to  doe  them.  Antipater  in  a letter  of  his,  writing 
of  the  death  of  Aristotle  the  philosopher,  doth  not  without 
cause  commend  the  singular  giftes  that  were  in  Alcibiades, 
and  this  inespecially : that  he  passed  all  other  for  winning 
mens  good  willes.  Wheras  all  Martius  noble  actes  and 
vertues,  wanting  that  "affabilitie,  became  hatefull  even  to 
those  that  received  benefit  by  them,  who  could  not  abide  his 
severitie  and  selfe  will : which  causeth  desolation  (as  Plato 
sayeth)  and  men  to  be  ill  followed,  or  altogether  forsaken. 
Contrariwise,  seeing  Alcibiades  had  a trimme  enterteinment, 
and  a very  good  grace  with  him,  and  could  facion  him  selfe 
in  all  companies : it  was  no  marvell  if  his  well  doing  were 
gloriously  commended,  and  him  selfe  much  honoured  and 
beloved  of  the  people,  considering  that  some  faultes  he  did, 
were  oftetimes  taken  for  matters  of  sporte,  and  toyes  of 
pleasure.  And  this  was  the  cause,  that  though  many  times 
he  did  great  hurte  to  the  common  wealth,  yet  they  did  ofte 
make  him  their  generall,  and  trusted  him  with  the  charge  of 
the  whole  citie.  Where  Martius  suing  for  an  office  of 
honour  that  was  due  to  him,  for  the  sundrie  good  services  he 
had  done  to  the  state,  was  notwithstanding  repulsed,  and 
put  by.  Thus  doe  we  see,  that  they  to  whome  the  one  did 
hurte,  had  no  power  to  hate  him  : and  thother  that  honoured 
his  vertue,  had  no  liking  to  love  his  persone.  Martius  also  Alcibiades 
did  never  any  great  exployte,  beinge  generall  of  his  contry  and  Corio- 
men,  but  when  he  was  generall  of  their  enemies.against  his  lanus 
naturall  contrie  rwhereas  Alcibiades,  being  both  a private  contrie^ 
persone,  and  a generall,  did  notable  service  unto  the 
Athenians.  By  reason  whereof,  Alcibiades  wheresoever  he 
was  present,  had  the  upper  hande  ever  of  his  accusers,  even 
as  he  would  him  selfe,  and  their  accusations  tooke  no  place 
2 : BB  193 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


ALCIBIA- 

DES  AND 

CORIO- 

LANUS 


//. 


x 


against  him : onlesse  it  were  in  his  abscence.  Where 
Martius  being  present,  was  condemned  by  the  Romaines : 
and  in  his  person  murdered,  and  slaine  by  the  Volsces.  But 
here  I can  not  say  they  have  done  well,  nor  justly,  albeit  him 
selfe  gave  them  some  colour  to  doe  it,  when  he  openly  denied 
the  Romaine  Ambassadors  peace,  which  after  he  privacy 
graunted,  at  the  request  of  women.  So  by  this  dede  of  his, 
he  tooke  not  away  the  enmity  that  was  betwerie  botlypeople : 
but  leaving  warre  still  Betwene  them,  lie  made  the  Volsces 
(of  whome  he  was  generall)  to  lose  the  oportunity  of  noble 
victory.  Where  in  deede  he  should  (if  he  had  done  as  he 
ought)  have  withdrawen  his  armie  with  their  counsaill  and 
consent,  that  had  reposed  so  great  affiance  in  him,  in  making 
him  their  generall : if  he  had  made  that  accompt  of  them, 
as  their  good  will  towards  him  did  in  duety  binde  him.  Or 
else,  if  he  did  not  care  for  the  Volsces  in  the  enterprise  of 
this  warre,  but  had  only  procured  it  of  intent  to  be  revenged, 
and  afterwards  to  leave  it  of,  when  his  anger  was  blowen 
over : yet  he  had  no  reason  for  the  .Xove  of  his  mother  to 
pardone  his  contrie,  but  rather  he  should  in  pardoning  his 
contrie,  have  spared  his  mother,  bicause  his  mother  and  wife 
were  members  of  the  bodie  of  his  contrie  and  city,  which  he 
did  besiege.  For  in  that  he  uncurteously  rejected  all  pub- 
like petitions,  requestes  of  Ambassadors,  intreaties  of  the 
bishoppes  and  priestes,  to  gratifie  only  the  request  of  his 
mother  with  his  departure : that  was  no  acte  so  much  to 
honour  his  mother  with,  as  to  dishonour  his  contrie  by,  the 
which  was  preserved  for  the  pitie  and  intercession  of  a woman, 
and  not  for  the  love  of  it  selfe,  as  if  it  had  not  bene  worthie 
of  it.  And  so  was  this  departure  a grace,  to  say  truly,  very 
odious  and  crtiell,  and  deserved  no  thankes  of  either  partie, 
to  him  that  did  it.  For  he  withdrew  his  army,  not  at  the 
request  of  the  Romaines,  against  whom  he  made  warre : nor 
with  their  consent,  at  whose  charge  the  warre  was  made. 
And  of  all  his  misfortune  and  ill  happe,  the  austeritie  of  his 
nature,  and  his  hawtie  obstinate  minde,  was  the  onely  cause : 
the  which  of  it  selfe  being  hatefull  to  the  worlde,  when  it  is 
joyned  with  ambition,  it  groweth  then  much  more  churlish, 
fierce,  and  intolerable.  For  men  that  have  that  fault  in 
194 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


nature,  are  not  affable  to  the  people,  seeming  thereby  as 
though  they  made  no  estimacion  or  regard  of  the  people : 
and  yet  on  thother  side,  if  the  people  should  not  geve  them 
honour  and  reverence,  they  would  straight  take  it  in  scorne, 
and  litle  care  for  the  matter.  For  so  did  Metellus,  Aristides, 
and  Epaminondas,  all  used  this  manner : not  to  seeke  the 
good  will  of  the  common  people  by  flatterie  and  dissimula- 
tion : which  was  in  deede,  bicause  they  despised  that  which 
the  people  coulde  geve  or  take  awaye.  Yet  would  they  not 
be  offended  with  their  citizens,  when  they  were  amerced,  and 
set  at  any  fines,  or  that  they  banished  them,  or  gave  them 
any  other  repulse : but  they  loved  them  as  wel  as  they  did 
before,  so  soone  as  they  shewed  any  token  of  repentaunce, 
and  that  they  were  sorie  for  the  wrong  they  had  done  them, 
and  were  easely  made  frendes  againe  with  them,  after  they 
were  restored  from  their  banishment.  For  he  that  disdaineth 
to  make  much  of  the  people,  and  to  have  their  favour,  shoulde 
much  more  scorne  to  seeke  to  be  revenged,  when  he  is 
repulsed.  For,  to  take  a repulse  and  deniall  of  honour,  so 
inwardly  to  the  hart : commeth  of  no  other  cause,  but  that 
he  did  too  earnestly  desire  it.  Therefore  Alcibiades  did  not 
dissemble  at  all,  that  he  was  not  very  glad  to  see  him  selfe 
honored,  and  sory  to  be  rejected  and  denied  any  honour: 
but  also  he  sought  all  the  meanes  he  could  to  make  him  selfe 
beloved  of  those  amongest  whome  he  lived.  Whereas 
Martius  stowtnes,  and  hawty  stomake,  did  stay  him  from 
making  much  of  those,  that  might  advaunce  and  honour 
him : and  yet  his  ambition  made  him  gnawe  him  selfe  for 
spite  and  anger,  when  he  sawe  he  was  despised.  And  this  is 
all  that  reasonably  may  be  reproved  in  him  : for  otherwise 
he  lacked  no  good  commendable  vertues  and  qualities.  For 
Kis  temperaunce,  and  cleane  handes  from  taking  of  bribes 
and  money,  he  Inay  be  compared  with  the  most  perfect, 
vertuous,  and  honest  men  of  all  Grsece : but  not  with 
Alcibiades,  who  was  in  that  undoutedly  alwayes 
too  licentious  and  losely  geven,  and  had  too 
small  regard  of  his  credit  and  honestie. 

THE  END  OF  CAIUS  MARTIUS  CORIOLANUS  LIFE 

195 


ALCIBIA- 
DES AND 
CORIO- 
LANUS 


l 


Coriolanus 
notable  ab- 
stinence from 
bribes. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


THE  LIFE  OF  PAULUS  ^EMILIUS 

HEN  I first  beganne  to  write  these  lines, 
my  intent  was  to  profit  other : but  since, 
continuing  and  going  on,  I have  muche 
profited  my  self  by  looking  into  these 
histories,  as  if  I looked  into  a glasse,  to 
frame  and  facion  my  life,  to  the  mowld 
and  patterne  of  these  vertuous  noble  men. 
For  ronning  over  their  manners  in  this 
sorte,  and  seeking  also  to  describe  their  lives  : me  thinkes  I 
am  still  conversaunt  and  familliar  with  them,  and  doe  as  it 
were  lodge  them  with  me,  one  after  another.  And  when  I 
come  to  peruse  their  histories,  and  to  waye  the  vertues  and 
qualities  they  have  had,  and  what  singularitie  eche  of  them 
possessed : and  to  choose  and  culle  out  the  chiefest  things 
of  note  in  them,  and  their  best  speaches  and  doings  most 
worthie  of  memorie  : Then  I crie  out, 

O godds,  can  there  be  more  passing  pleasure  in  the  worlde  ? 

Or  is  there  any  thing  of  more  force,  to  teach  man  civill 
manners,  and  a ruled  life,  or  to  reforme  the  vice  in  man  ? 
Democritus  the  philosopher  writeth,  that  we  should  praye 
we  might  ever  see  happy  images  and  sightes  in  the  ayer,  and 
that  the  good  which  is  meete  and  proper  to  our  nature,  maye 
rather  come  to  us,  then  that  is  evill  and  unfortunate : pre- 
supposing a false  opinion  and  doctrine  in  philosophic,  which 
allureth  men  to  infinite  superstitions.  That  there  are  good 
and  bad  images  flying  in  the  ayer,  which  geve  a good  or  ill 
impression  unto  men,  and  incline  men  to  vice,  or  to  vertue. 
But  as  for  me,  by  continuall  reading  of  auncient  histories, 
and  gathering  these  lives  together  which  now  I leave  before 
you,  and  by  keeping  allwayes  in  minde  the  actes  of  the  most 
noble,  vertuous,  and  best  geven  men  of  former  age,  and 
worthie  memorie : I doe  teache  and  prepare  my  selfe  to 
shake  of  and  banishe  from  me,  all  lewde  and  dishonest  con- 
196 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

dition,  if  by  chaunce  the  companie  and  conversation  of  them 
whose  companie  I keepe,  and  must  of  necessitie  haunte,  doe 
acquainte  me  with  some  unhappie  or  ungratious  touche.  This 
is  easie  unto  me,  that  doe  dispose  my  quiet  minde,  and  not 
troubled  with  any  passion,  unto  the  deepe  consideration  of  so 
many  noble  examples.  As  I doe  present  unto  you  now  in 
this  volume,  the  lives  of  Timoleon  the  Corinthian,  and  of 
Paulus  ^Emilius  the  Romaine,  who  had  not  only  a good  and 
an  upright  minde  with  them,  but  were  also  fortunate  and 
happie,  in  all  the  matters  they  both  did  take  in  hand.  So 
as  you  shall  hardly  judge,  when  you  have  red  over  their 
lives,  whether  wisedome,  or  good  fortune  brought  them  to 
atchieve  to  suche  honorable  actes  and  exploytes  as  they  dyd. 
Many  (and  the  most  parte  of  historiographers)  doe  write, 
that  the  house  and  familie  of  the  iEmilians  in  Rome,  was 
allwayes  of  the  most  auncient  of  the  nobilitie,  which  they 
call  Patricians.  Some  writers  affirme  also,  that  the  first  of 
the  house  that  gave  name  to  all  the  posteritie  after,  was 
Marcus,  the  sonne  of  Pythagoras,  the  wise,  whom  king 
Numa  for  the  sweetnes  and  pleasaunt  grace  of  his  tongue, 
surnamed  Marcus  ^Emilius : and  those  specially  affirme  it, 
that  saye  king  Numa  was  Pythagoras  scholler.  Howsoever  it 
was,  the  most  parte  of  this  familie  that  obteined  honour  and 
estimation  for  their  vertue,  were  ever  fortunate  also  in  all  their 
doings,  saving  Lucius  Paulus  only,  who  dyed  in  the  battell 
of  Cannes.  But  his  misfortune  doth  beare  manifest  testi- 
monie  of  his  wisedome  and  valliancy  together.  For  he  was 
forced  to  fight  against  his  will,  when  he  sawe  he  could  not 
bridle  the  rashnes  of  his  fellowe  Consul  that  would  nedes 
joyne  battell,  and  to  doe  as  he  dyd,  saving  that  he  fled 
not  as  the  other,  who  being  first  procurer  of  the  battell, 
was  the  first  that  ranne  awaye:  where  he  to  the  contrarie, 
to  his  power  dyd  what  he  could  to  let  him,  and  dyd  sticke 
by  it,  and  fought  it  valliantly  unto  the  last  gaspe.  This 
iEmylius  left  a daughter  behind  him  called  JEmylia,  which 
was  maried  unto  Scipio  the  great:  and  a sonne,  Paulus 
iEmylius,  being  the  same  man  whose  life  we  presently  treate 
of.  His  youth  fortunately  fell  out  in  a florishing  time  of 
glorie  and  honour,  through  the  sundrie  vertues  of  many 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


The  house  of 
the  iEmylians 
came  of 
Pythagoras 
sonne. 

Lucius  Paulus 
iEmylius 
Consul,  slaine 
at  the  battell 
of  Cannes. 


JEmylia,  the 
daughter  of 
Lucius  i£my- 
lius,  maried 
to  Scipio  the 
great. 


PAULUS 

2EMILIUS 


The  vertues 
of  Paulus 
iEmylius. 


Paulus  iEmy- 
lius made 
iEdilis  and 
Augure. 


The  philo- 
sophers 
opinion  of 
religion. 


Paulus  dili- 
gence in  the 
common 
wealth,  even 
in  trifles. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

great  and  noble  persones  living  in  ithose  dayes,  emong 
whom  he  made  his  name  famous  also : and  it  was  not  by 
that  ordinarie  arte  and  course,  which  the  best  esteemed 
young  men  of  that  age  dyd  take  and  followe.  For  he  dyd 
not  use  to  pleade  private  mens  causes  in  lawe,  neither  would 
creepe  into  mens  favour  by  fawning  upon  any  of  them : 
though  he  sawe  it  a common  practise,  and  policie  of  men, 
to  seeke  the  peoples  favour  and  good  willes  by  suche  meanes. 
Moreover,  he  refused  not  that  common  course  which  other 
tooke,  for  that  it  was  contrarie  to  his  nature,  or  that  he 
could  not  frame  with  either  of  both,  if  he  had  bene  so  dis- 
posed : but  he  rather  sought  to  winne  reputation  by  his 
honestie,  his  valliantnes,  and  upright  dealing,  as  choosing 
that  the  better  waye,  then  either  of  thother  two,  in  so  much 
as  in  marvelous  shorte  time  he  passed  all  those  that  were  of 
his  age.  The  first  office  of  honour  he  sued  for,  was  the 
office  of  AEdilis,  in  which  sute  he  was  preferred  before  twelve 
other  that  sued  for  the  selfe  same  office : who  were  men  of 
no  small  qualitie,  for  they  all  came  afterwardes  to  be  Consuls. 
After  this,  he  was  chosen  to  be  one  of  the  number  of  the 
priestes,  whom  the  Ptomaines  call  Augures : who  have  the 
charge  of  all  the  divinations  and  soothesayings,  in  telling  of 
things  to  come  by  flying  of  byrdes,  and  signes  in  the  ayer. 
He  was  so  carefull,  and  tooke  suche  paynes  to  understand 
how  the  Romaines  dyd  use  the  same,  and  with  suche  dili- 
gence sought  the  observation  of  the  auncient  religion  of 
Romaines  in  all  holie  matters : that  where  that  priesthood 
was  before  esteemed  but  a title  of  honour,  and  desired  for 
the  name  only : he  brought  it  to  passe,  that  it  was  the  most 
honorable  science,  and  best  reputed  of  in  Rome.  Wherein 
he  confirmed  the  philosophers  opinion : that  religion  is  the 
knowledge  how  to  serve  God.  For  when  he  dyd  any  thing 
belonging  to  his  office  of  priesthood,  he  dyd  it  with  great  ex- 
perience, judgment,  and  diligence,  leaving  all  other  thoughtes, 
and  without  omitting  any  auncient  ceremonie,  or  adding  to 
any  newe,  contending  oftentimes  with  his  companions,  in 
things  which  seemed  light,  and  of  small  moment : declaring 
unto  them,  that  though  we  doe  presume  the  goddes  are  easie 
to  be  pacified,  and  that  they  readilie  par  done  all  faultes  and 
198 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

scapes  committed  by  negligence,  yet  if  it  were  no  more  but  PAULUS 
for  respect  of  common  wealths  sake,  they  should  not  slightly,  ASMILIUS 
nor  carelesly  dissemble  or  passe  over  faultes  committed  in 
those  matters.  For  no  man  (sayeth  he)  at  the  first  that 
committeth  any  faulte,  doth  alone  trouble  the  state  of  the 
common  wealth  : but  withall,  we  must  thincke  he  leaveth 
the  groundes  of  civill  government,  that  is  not  as  carefull  to 
keepe  the  institutions  of  small  matters,  as  also  of  the  great. 

So  was  he  also  a severe  captaine,  and  strict  observer  of 
all  marshall  discipline,  not  seeking  to  winne  the  souldiers  The  discipline 
love  by  flatterie,  when  he  was  generall  in  the  field,  as  ofwarres. 
many  dyd  in  that  time : neither  corrupting  them  for  a 
second  charge,  by  shewing  him  selfe  gentle  and  curteous  in 
the  first,  unto  those  that  served  under  him : but  him 
selfe  dyd  orderly  shewe  them  the  very  rules  and  preceptes 
of  the  discipline  of  warres,  even  as  a priest  that  should 
expresse  the  names  and  ceremonies  of  some  holy  sacrifice 
wherein  were  daunger  to  omit  any  parte  or  parcell.  Howbeit, 
being  terrible  to  execute  the  lawe  of  armes  apon  rebellious 
and  disobedient  souldiers,  he  kept  up  thereby  the  state  of  the 
common  weale  the  better : judging,  to  overcome  the  enemie 
by  force,  was  but  an  accessorie  as  a man  maye  terme  it,  in 
respect  of  well  training  and  ordering  his  cittizens  by  good 
discipline.  While  the  Romaines  were  in  warres  against  king 
Antiochus  surnamed  the  great,  in  the  South  partes : all  the 
chiefest  captaines  of  Rome  being  employed  that  wayes,  there 
fell  out  another  in  the  necke  of  that,  in  the  West  partes  to- 
wardes  Spayne,  where  they  were  all  up  in  armes.  Thither 
they  sent  iEmylius  Praetor,  not  with  sixe  axes  as  the  other  Paulus  iEmy- 
Praetors  had  borne  before  them,  but  with  twelve : so  that  lius  sent 
under  the  name  of  Praetor,  he  had  the  authoritie  and  dignitie  ^raetor  iuto 
of  a Consul.  He  twise  overcame  the  barbarous  people  in  bPayne* 
mayne  battell,  and  slue  a thirtie  thousand  of  them,  and  got 
this  victorie  through  his  great  skill  and  wisedome,  in  choosing  iEmylius  skil- 
the  advantage  of  place  and  time,  to  fight  with 
even  as  they  passed  over  a river : which  eas 
souldiers  the  victorie.  Moreover  he  tooke  there, 
and  fiftie  citties,  all  which  dyd  open,  and  gladly  receyve  him 
in.  So,  leaving  that  countrie  quiet  and  in  good  peace,  and 

199 


his  enemies,  ful  to  choose 
ely  gave  his  place  and 
two  hundred  tlmetofight- 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


Scipio  the 
seconde,  and 
Fabius  Maxi- 
mus, were  the 
sonnes  of  P. 
JEmylius,  by 
Papyria  his 
first  wife. 

A prety  tale 
of  a Romaine 
that  forsooke 
his  wife. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

having  receaved  their  fealtie  by  othe  made  betweene  his 
handes,  he  returned  againe  to  Rome,  not  enriched  the  value 
of  a Drachma  more  then  before.  For  then  he  tooke  litle 
regard  to  his  expences,  he  spent  so  franckly,  neither  was  his 
purse  his  master,  though  his  revenue  was  not  great  to  beare 
it  out : as  it  appeared  to  the  world  after  his  death,  for  all 
that  he  had,  was  litle  enough  to  satisfie  his  wifes  joynter. 
His  first  wife  was  Papyria,  the  daughter  of  a noble  Consul 
Papyrius  Masso,  and  after  they  had  lived  a long  time  together, 
he  was  divorsed  from  her,  notwithstanding  he  had  goodly 
children  by  her.  For  by  her  he  had  that  famous  Scipio  the 
second,  and  Fabius  Maximus.  The  just  cause  of  the  divorse 
betweene  them,  appeareth  not  to  us  in  writing : but  me 
thinckes  the  tale  that  is  tolde  concerning  the  separation  of  a 
certaine  mariage  is  true.  That  a certen  Romaine  having  for- 
saken his  wife,  her  friendes  fell  out  with  him,  and  asked  him  : 
What  fault  dost  thou  finde  in  her  ? is  she  not  honest  of  her 
bo  die  ? is  she  not  fayer  ? doth  she  not  bring  thee  goodly 
children  ? But  he  putting  forth  his  foote,  shewed  them  his 
shooe,  and  aunswered  them.  Is  not  this  a goodly  shooe  ? is 
it  not  finely  made  ? and  is  it  not  newe  ? yet  I dare  saye  there 
is  never  a one  of  you  can  tell  where  it  wringeth  me.  For  to 
saye  truely,  great  and  open  faultes  are  commonly  occasions  to 
make  husbands  put  awaye  their  wives : but  yet  oftentimes 
household  wordes  ronne  so  betweene  them  (proceeding  of 
crooked  conditions,  or  of  diversitie  of  natures,  which  straungers 
are  not  privie  unto)  that  in  processe  of  time  they  doe  beget 
suche  a straunge  alteration  of  love  and  mindes  in  them,  as 
one  house  can  no  lenger  holde  them.  So  AEmylius,  having 
put  awaye  Papyria  his  first  wife,  he  maried  another  that 
brought  him  two  sonnes,  which  he  brought  up  with  him  selfe 
in  his  house,  and  gave  his  two  first  sonnes  (to  wit,  Scipio  the 
second,  and  Fabius  Maximus)  in  adoption,  to  two  of  the 
noblest  and  richest  families  of  the  cittie  of  Rome.  The 
elder  of  the  twaine,  unto  Fabius  Maximus,  he  that  was  five 
times  Consul : and  the  younger  unto  the  house  of  the  Corne- 
lians, whom  the  sonne  of  the  great  Scipio  the  African  dyd 
adopt,  being  his  cosin  germaine,  and  named  him  Scipio. 
Concerning  his  daughters,  the  sonne  of  Cato  maried  the  one, 
200 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


and  iElius  Tubero  the  other,  who  was  a marvelous  honest 
man,  and  dyd  more  nobly  mainteine  him  selfe  in  his  povertie, 
then  any  other  Romaine : for  they  were  sixteene  persones  all 
of  one  name,  and  of  the  house  of  the  iElians,  very  neere  a 
kynne  one  to  the  other,  who  had  all  but  one  litle  house  in 
the  cittie,  and  a small  farme  in  the  countrie,  wherewith  they 
enterteined  them  selves,  and  lived  all  together  in  one  house, 
with  their  wives,  and  many  litle  children.  Amongest  their 
wives,  one  of  them  was  the  daughter  of  Paulus  iEmylius,  after 
he  had  bene  twise  Consul,  and  had  triumphed  twise,  not  being 
ashamed  of  her  husbands  povertie,  but  wondering  at  his 
vertue  that  made  him  poore.  Whereas  brethern  and  kynse- 
men,  as  the  world  goeth  now,  if  they  dwell  not  farre  a sonder, 
and  in  other  countries,  not  one  neere  another,  and  that  rivers 
parte  them  not,  or  walles  devide  their  landes,  leaving  great 
large  wastes  betweene  them : they  are  never  quiet,  but  still 
in  quarrell  one  with  another.  Goodly  examples  doth  this 
storie  laye  before  the  wise,  and  well  advised  readers,  to  learne 
thereby  howe  to  frame  their  life,  and  wisely  to  behave  them 
selves.  Now  iEmylius  being  chosen  Consul,  went  to  make 
warre  with  the  Ligurians,  who  dwelled  in  the  Alpes,  and 
which  otherwise  are  called  Ligustines.  These  are  very  valliant 
and  warlike  men,  and  were  very  good  souldiers  at  that  time, 
by  reason  of  their  continual  warres  against  the  Romaines, 
whose  neere  neighbours  they  were.  For  they  dwelt  in  the 
furdest  parte  of  Italie,  that  bordereth  upon  the  great  Alpes, 
and  the  rowe  of  Alpes,  whereof  the  foote  joyneth  to  the 
Thuscan  sea,  and  pointeth  towards  Africke,  and  are  mingled 
with  the  Gaules,  and  Spanyards,  neighbours  unto  that  sea 
coast : who  scowring  all  the  Mediterranian  sea  at  that  time, 
unto  the  straight  of  Hercules  pillars,  dyd  with  their  litle  light 
pinnases  of  pirats,  let  all  the  trafficke  and  entercourse  of  mar- 
chaundise.  iEmylius  being  gone  to  seeke  them  in  their 
countrie,  they  taried  his  comming  with  an  armie  of  forty 
thousand  men  : nevertheles,  though  he  had  but  eight  thou- 
sand men  in  all,  and  that  they  were  five  to  one  of  his,  yet  he 
gave  the  onset  apon  them,  and  overthrew  them,  and  drave 
them  into  their  citties.  Then  he  sent  to  offer  them  peace, 
for  the  Romaines  would  not  altogether  destroye  the  Ligurians, 
2 : CC  201 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 

The  vertue  of 
iEliusTubero, 
his  povertie 
and  quiet  life. 


Innaturalitie 
emongestkin- 
red  infamous. 


iEmylius 

Consul. 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 

iEmylius 
overcommeth 
the  Ligurians. 


The  coward- 
lines of  the 
Romaines 
in  Spayne. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

bicause  their  countrie  was  a rampeyr  or  bullwarke  against  the 
invasion  of  the  Gaules,  who  laye  lurking  for  oportunitie  and 
occasion  to  invade  Italie  : whereupon  these  Ligurians  yelded 
them  selves  unto  him,  and  put  all  their  fortes  and  shippes 
into  his  handes.  JEmylius  delivered  unto  them  their  holdes 
againe,  without  other  hurte  done  unto  them,  saving  that  he 
rased  the  walles  of  their  fortifications : howbeit  he  tooke  all 
their  shippes  from  them,  leaving  them  litle  botes  of  three 
owers  only,  and  no  greater,  and  set  all  the  prisoners  at  libertie 
they  had  taken,  both  by  sea  and  by  lande,  aswell  Romaines 
as  other,  which  were  a marvelous  number.  These  were  all 
the  notable  acts  he  dyd  worthie  memorie,  in  the  first  yere  of 
his  Consulshippe.  Afterwards,  he  oftentimes  shewed  him  self 
very  desirous  to  be  Consul  againe,  and  dyd  put  forth  him 
selfe  to  sue  for  it : but  when  he  was  denied  it,  he  never  after 
made  sute  for  it  againe,  but  gave  him  selfe  only  to  studie 
divine  things,  and  to  see  his  children  vertuously  brought  up, 
not  only  in  the  Romaine  tongue  which  him  selfe  was  taught, 
but  also  a litle  more  curiously  in  the  Grseke  tongue.  For  he 
dyd  not  only  retaine  Grammarians,  Rethoricians,  and  Logi- 
tians,  but  also  painters,  gravers  of  images,  riders  of  horses, 
and  huntes  of  Graece  about  his  children  : and  he  him  selfe  also 
(if  no  matters  of  common  wealth  troubled  him)  was  ever  with 
them  in  the  schoole  when  they  were  at  their  bookes,  and  also 
when  they  otherwise  dyd  exercise  them  selves.  For  he  loved 
his  children  as  much,  or  more,  then  any  other  Romaine.  Now 
concerning  the  state  of  the  common  wealth,  the  Romaines 
were  at  warres  with  king  Perseus,  and  they  much  blamed  the 
captaines  they  had  sent  thither  before,  for  that  for  lacke  of 
skill  and  corage,  they  had  so  cowardly  behaved  them  selves, 
as  their  enemies  laughed  them  to  scorne  : and  they  receyved 
more  hurte  of  them,  then  they  dyd  unto  the  King.  For  not 
long  before,  they  had  driven  king  Antiochus  beyound  mount 
Taurus,  and  had  made  him  forsake  the  rest  of  Asia,  and  had 
shut  him  up  within  the  borders  of  Syria : who  was  glad  that  he 
had  bought  that  contrie  with  fifteene  thousand  talents,  which 
he  payed  for  a fine.  A litle  before  also,  they  had  overcome 
Philip,  king  of  Macedon,  in  Thessaly,  and  had  delivered  the 
Graecians  from  the  bondage  of  the  Macedonians.  And  more- 
202 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


over,  having  overcome  Hannibal  (unto  whom  no  Prince  nor  PAULUS 
King  that  ever  was  in  the  worlde  was  comparable,  either  for  AEMILIUS 
his  power  or  valliantnes)  they  thought  this  to  great  a dis- 
honour to  them,  that  this  warre  they  had  against  king  Perseus, 
should  hold  so  long  of  even  hande  with  them,  as  if  he  had 
bene  an  enemie  equall  with  the  people  of  Rome  : considering 
also  that  they  fought  not  against  them,  but  with  the  refuse 
and  scattered  people  of  the  overthrowen  armie  his  father  had 
lost  before,  and  knew  not  that  Philip  had  left  his  armie 
stronger,  and  more  experte  by  reason  of  his  overthrowe,  then 
it  was  before.  As  I will  briefly  reherse  the  storie  from  the 
beginning.  Antigonus,  who  was  of  the  greatest  power  of  The  succes- 
all  the  captaines  and  successours  of  Alexander  the  great,  sion  Anti- 
having obteined  for  him  self  and  his  posteritie  the  title  Macedo n^* 
of  a King,  had  a sonne  called  Demetrius,  of  whom  came 
Antigonus  the  second,  that  was  surnamed  Gonatas,  whose 
sonne  was  also  called  Demetrius,  that  raigned  no  long  time, 
but  dyed,  and  left  a young  sonne  called  Philippe.  By 
reason  whereof,  the  Princes  and  Nobilitie  of  Macedon,  fear- 
ing that  the  Realme  should  be  left  without  heire  : they  pre- 
ferred one  Antigonus,  cosin  to  the  last  deceased  King,  and 
made  him  marie  the  mother  of  Philip  the  lesse,  geving# 
him  the  name  at  the  first  of  the  Kings  protectour  only,  and 
lieutenaunt  generall  of  his  majestie.  But  after,  when  they 
had  founde  he  was  a good  and  wise  prince,  and  a good  husband 
for  the  Realme,  they  then  gave  him  the  absolute  name  of  a 
King,  and  surnamed  him  Doson,  to  saye,  the  giver  : for  he  Antigonus 
promised  muche,  and  gave  litle.  After  him  reigned  Philip,  Doson,  king  of 
who  in  his  grene  youth  gave  more  hope  of  him  selfe,  then  1 ace  on‘ 
any  other  of  the  Kings  before : in  so  much  they  thought 
that  one  daye  he  would  restore  Macedon  her  auncient  fame 
and  glorie,  and  that  he  alone  would  plucke  downe  the  pride 
and  power  of  the  Romaines,  who  rose  against  all  the  world.  Philip  king  of 
But  after  that  he  had  lost  a great  battell,  and  was  overthrowen  Macedon  was 
by  Titus  Quintus  Flaminius  neere  unto  the  cittie  of  Scotusa : overcome  in 
then  he  beganne  to  quake  for  feare,  and  to  leave  all  to  the  ^^k1^ltus 
mercie  of  the  Romaines,  thinking  he  escaped  good  cheape,  FlamiiriulTat8 
for  any  light  ransome  or  tribute  the  Romaines  should  im-  the  cittie  of 
pose  apon  him.  Yet  afterwards  comming  to  understand  Scotusa. 


203 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


Philips  second 
preparation 
for  warres  in 
Macedon. 


Philips 

armorie. 


The  death  of 
king  Philip. 


Perseus 

extreme 

covetous. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

him  selfe,  he  grewe  to  disdaine  it  much,  thinking  that  to 
reigne  through  the  favour  of  the  Romaines,  was  but  to 
make  him  selfe  a slave,  to  seeke  to  live  in  pleasure  at  his 
ease,  and  not  for  a valliant  and  noble  prince  borne.  Where- 
upon he  set  all  his  minde,  to  studie  the  discipline  of 
warres,  and  made  his  preparations  as  wisely  and  closely,  as 
possiblie  he  could.  For  he  left  all  his  townes  alongest  the 
sea  coast,  and  standing  upon  any  high  wayes,  without  any 
fortification  at  all,  and  in  manner  desolate  without  people, 
to  the  ende  there  might  appeare  no  occasion  of  doubt  or 
mistrust  in  him : and  in  the  meane  time,  in  the  highe 
countries  of  his  Realme  farre  from  great  beaten  wayes,  he 
leavied  a great  number  of  men  of  warre,  and  replenished  his 
townes  and  strong  holdes  that  laye  scatteringly  abroad,  with 
armour  and  weapon,  money,  and  men,  providing  for  warre, 
which  he  kept  as  secretly  as  he  could.  For  he  had  provision 
of  armour  in  his  armorie,  to  arme  thirtie  thousand  men,  and 
eight  million  busshels  of  corne  safely  lokt  up  in  his  fortes 
and  stronger  places,  and  ready  money,  as  much  as  would 
serve  to  entertaine  tenne  thousand  straungers  in  paye,  to 
defend  his  countrie  for  the  space  of  tenne  yeres.  But 
before  he  could  bring  that  to  passe  he  had  purposed,  he 
dyed  for  grief  and  sorowe,  after  he  knewe  he  had  unjustly 
put  Demetrius  the  best  of  his  sonnes  to  death,  apon  the 
false  accusation  of  the  worst,  that  was  Perseus  : who  as  he 
dyd  inherite  the  Kingdom  of  his  father  by  succession,  so 
dyd  he  also  inherite  his  fathers  malice  against  the  Romaines. 
But  he  had  no  shoulders  to  beare  so  heavy  a burden,  and 
especially  being  as  he  was,  a man  of  so  vile  and  wicked 
nature : for  among  many  lewde  and  naughty  conditions  he 
had,  he  was  extreme  covetous  and  miserable.  They  saye 
also,  that  he  was  not  legitimate,  bicause  Philippes  wife  had 
taken  him  from  Gnathainia  (a  tailours  wife  borne  at  Argos) 
immediatly  after  he  was  borne,  and  dyd  adopt  the  child  to 
be  hers.  And  some  thinke  that  this  was  the  chiefest  cause 
why  he  practised  to  put  Demetrius  to  death,  fearing  least 
this  lawful  sonne  would  seeke  occasion  to  prove  him  a 
bastard.  Notwithstanding,  simple  though  he  was,  and  of 
vile  and  base  nature,  he  found  the  strength  of  his  Kingdom 
204 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

so  great,  that  he  was  contented  to  take  upon  him  to  make  PAULUS 
warre  against  the  Romaines,  which  he  mainteined  a long  iEMILIUS 
time,  and  fought  against  their  Consuls,  that  were  their  King  Perseus 
generalles,  and  repulsed  great  armies  of  theirs  both  by  sea  maketh  warre 
and  lande,  and  overcame  some.  As  Publius  Licinius  among 
other,  the  first  that  invaded  Macedon,  was  overthrowen  by 
him  in  a battell  of  horsemen,  where  he  slewe  at  that  time  Publius  Lici- 
two  thousand  five  hundred  good  men  of  his,  and  tooke  sixe  nius  Consul, 
hundred  prisoners.  And  their  armie  by  sea,  riding;  at  ancker  overthrowen 
before  the  cittie  of  Oreum,  he  dyd  sodainly  set  apon,  and  y 
tooke  twenty  great  shippes  of  burden,  and  all  that  was  in 
them,  and  soncke  the  rest,  which  were  all  loden  with  corne : 
and  tooke  of  all  sortes  besides,  about  foure  and  fiftie  foystes, 
and  galliots  of  fiftie  owers  a pece.  The  second  Consul  and 
generall  he  fought  with  all,  was  Hostilius,  whom  he  repulsed,  Hostilius 
attempting  by  force  to  invade  Macedon,  by  waye  of  the  Consul  re- 
cittie  of  Elumia.  Another  time  again,  when  he  entred  in  P}^se^  out  of 
by  stelth  upon  the  coast  of  Thessaly,  he  offred  him  battel,  1 ace  on' 
but  the  other  durst  not  abide  it.  Furthermore,  as  though 
the  warre  troubled  him  nothing  at  all,  and  that  he  had  cared 
litle  for  the  Romaines : he  went  and  fought  a battell  in 
the  meane  time  with  the  Dardanians,  where  he  slue  tenne 
thousand  of  those  barbarous  people,  and  brought  a mar- 
velous great  spoyle  awaye  with  him.  Moreover  he  procured 
the  nation  of  the  Gaules  dwelling  upon  the  river  of  Danubie,  Bastarnae,  the 
which  they  call  Bastarnse  (men  very  warlike,  and  excellent  Caules  dwell- 
good  horsemen)  and  did  practise  with  the  Illyrians  also  by 
meane  of  their  king  Gentius,  to  make  them  joyne  with  him  DanuMe# 
in  these  warres  : so  that  there  ranne  a rumour  all  about,  that 
for  money  he  had  gotten  these  Gaules  to  come  downe  into 
Italie,  from  the  highe  contrie  of  Gaule,  all  alongest  the 
Adriatick  sea.  The  Romaines  being  advertised  of  these 
newes,  thought  the  time  served  not  now  to  dispose  their 
offices  in  warres  any  more  by  grace  and  favour  unto  those 
that  sued  for  them  : but  contrariwise,  that  they  should  call 
some  noble  man  that  were  very  skilfull,  and  a wise  captaine, 
and  could  discretly  governe  and  performe  things  of  great 
charge.  As  Paulus  ^Emylius,  a man  well  stepped  on  in 
yeres,  being  three  score  yere  olde : and  yet  of  good  power, 

205 


PAULUS 

JEMILIUS 


iEmylius 
chosen  Consul 
the  second 
time,  taketh 
charge  of  the 
warres  of 
Macedon. 


Good lucke 
pronounced 
by  Tertia,  a 
litle  girle. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

by  reason  of  the  lusty  young  men  his  sonnes,  and  sonnes  in 
lawe,  besides  a great  number  of  his  friends  and  kinsefolke. 
So  all  that  bare  great  authoritie,  dyd  altogether  with  one 
consent  counsaill  him  to  obey  the  people,  which  called  him 
to  the  Consulshippe.  At  the  beginning,  in  deede  he  delayed 
the  people  muche  that  came  to  importune  him,  and  utterly 
denied  them  : saying,  he  was  no  meete  man  neither  to  desire, 
nor  yet  to  take  upon  him  any  charge.  Howbeit  in  the  ende, 
seeing  the  people  dyd  urge  it  apon  him,  by  knocking  con- 
tinually at  his  gates,  and  calling  him  alowde  in  the  streetes, 
willing  him  to  come  into  the  market  place,  and  perceyving 
they  were  angrie  with  him,  bicause  he  refused  it : he  was 
content  to  be  persuaded.  And  when  he  stoode  among 
them  that  sued  for  the  Consulshippe,  the  people  thought 
straight  that  he  stoode  not  there  so  muche  for  desire  of  the 
office,  as  for  that  he  put  them  in  hope  of  assured  victorie, 
and  happie  successe  of  this  begonne  warre : so  great  was 
their  love  towardes  him,  and  the  good  hope  they  had  of 
him,  that  they  chose  him  Consul  againe  the  second  time. 
Wherefore  so  sone  as  he  was  chosen,  they  would  not  pro- 
ceede  to  drawing  of  lottes  according  to  their  custome,  which 
of  the  two  Consuls  should  happen  to  goe  into  Macedon  : but 
presently  with  a full  and  whole  consent  of  them  all,  they  gave 
him  the  whole  charge  of  the  warres  of  Macedon.  So  being 
Consul  now,  and  appointed  to  make  warre  upon  king  Perseus, 
all  the  people  dyd  honorably  companie  him  home  unto  his 
house : where  a litle  girle  (a  daughter  of  his)  called  Tertia, 
being  yet  an  infant,  came  weeping  unto  her  father.  He 
making  muche  of  her  : asked  her  why  she  wept.  The  poore 
girle  aunswered,  colling  him  about  the  necke,  and  kissing 
him : Alas,  father,  wote  you  what  ? our  Perseus  is  dead. 
She  ment  it  by  a litle  whelpe  so  called,  which  was  her  playe 
fellowe.  In  good  hower,  my  girle,  sayed  he,  I like  the  signe 
well.  Thus  doth  Cicero  the  orator  reporte  it  in  his  booke 
of  divinations.  The  Romaines  had  a custome  at  that  time, 
that  suche  as  were  elected  Consuls  (after  that  they  were 
openly  proclaimed)  should  make  an  oration  of  thanckes 
unto  the  people,  for  the  honour  and  favour  they  had  shewed 
him.  The  people  then  (according  to  the  custome)  being 
206 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


gathered  together  to  heare  iEmylius  speake,  he  made  this 
oration  unto  them  : 4 That  the  first  time  he  sued  to  be 
4 Consul,  was  in  respect  of  him  selfe,  standing  at  that  time 
4 in  neede  of  suche  honour  : now  he  offred  him  selfe  the 
4 second  time  unto  it,  for  the  good  love  he  bare  unto  them, 

4 who  stoode  in  nede  of  a generall,  wherefore  he  thought  him 
4 selfe  nothing  bounde  nor  beholding  unto  them  now.  And 
4 if  they  dyd  thincke  also  this  warre  might  be  better  followed 
4 by  any  other,  then  by  him  selfe,  he  would  presently  with  all 
4 his  harte  resigne  the  place.  Furthermore,  if  they  had  any 
4 trust  or  confidence  in  him,  that  they  thought  him  a man 
4 sufficient  to  discharge  it : then  that  they  would  not  speake 
4 nor  medle  in  any  matter  that  concerned  his  duetie,  and  the 
4 office  of  a generall,  saving  only,  that  they  would  be  diligent 
4 (without  any  wordes)  to  doe  whatsoever  he  commaunded, 

4 and  should  be  necessarie  for  the  warre  and  service  they 
4 tooke  in  hand.  For  if  every  man  would  be  a commaunder, 
4 as  they  had  bene  heretofore,  of  those  by  whom  they  should 
4 be  commaunded  : then  the  world  would  more  laughe  them 
4 to  scorne  in  this  service,  then  ever  before  had  bene  accus- 
4 tomed.’  These  wordes  made  the  Romaines  very  obedient 
to  him,  and  conceyved  good  hope  to  come,  being  all  of  them 
very  glad  that  they  had  refused  those  ambitious  flatterers 
that  sued  for  the  charge,  and  had  geven  it  unto  a man, 
that  durst  boldly  and  franckly  tell  them  the  troth.  Marke 
how  the  Romaines  by  yelding  unto  reason  and  vertue,  came 
to  command  all  other,  and  to  make  them  selves  the  mightiest 
people  of  the  world.  Now  that  Paulus  dEmylius  setting  for- 
ward to  this  warre,  had  winde  at  will,  and  fayer  passage  to 
bring  him  at  his  jorneis  ende : I impute  it  to  good  fortune, 
that  so  quickly  and  safely  conveyed  him  to  his  campe.  But 
for  the  rest  of  his  exploy tes,  he  dyd  in  all  this  warre, 
when  parte  of  them  were  performed  by  his  owne  hardi- 
nes,  other  by  his  wisedome  and  good  counsell,  other  by 
the  diligence  of  his  friendes  in  serving  him  with  good 
will,  other  by  his  owne  resolute  constancy  and  corage  in 
extremest  daunger,  and  last,  by  his  marvelous  skill  in  deter- 
mining at  an  instant  what  was  to  be  done  : I cannot  attribute 
any  notable  acte  or  worthy  service  unto  this  his  good  fortune, 

207 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 

Paulus  iEmy- 
lius  oration  of 
thanckes  to 
the  Romaines 
when  he  was 
Consul,  ob- 
serving the 
custome. 


See  what 
fruite  soul- 
diers  reape, 
by  obedience 
and  reason. 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 

Perseus  cove- 
tousnes  and 
miserie,  was 
the  destruc- 
tion of  him 
selfe,  and  his 
realme  of 
Macedon. 

Bastarnae,  a 

mercenary 

people. 


Note,  what 
became  of 
Perseus 
husbandry. 

iEmylius 
army  against 
Perseus,  was 
a hundred 
thousand 
men. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

they  talke  of  so  much,  as  they  maye  doe  in  other  captaines 
doings.  Onles  they  will  saye  peradventure,  that  Perseus 
covetousnes  and  miserie  was  JEmilius  good  fortune  : for  his 
miserable  feare  of  spending  money,  was  the  only  cause  and 
destruction  of  the  whole  realme  of  Macedon,  which  was  in 
good  state  and  hope  of  continuing  in  prosperitie.  For  there 
came  downe  into  the  countrie  of  Macedon  at  king  Perseus 
request,  tenne  thousand  Bastarnae  a horse  backe,  and  as  many 
footemen  to  them,  who  all  way  es  joyned  with  them  in  battell, 
all  mercenary  souldiers,  depending  upon  paye  and  entertein- 
ment  of  warres,  as  men  that  could  not  plowe  nor  sowe,  nor 
trafficke  marchandise  by  sea,  nor  skill  of  grasing  to  gaine 
their  living  with  : and  to  be  shorte,  that  had  no  other  occu- 
pation or  marchandise,  but  to  serve  in  the  warres,  and  to 
overcome  those  with  whom  they  fought.  Furthermore,  when 
they  came  to  incampe  and  lodge  in  the  Medica,  neere  to  the 
Macedonians,  who  sawe  them  so  goodly  great  men,  and  so 
well  trained  and  exercised  in  handling  all  kinde  of  weapons, 
so  brave  and  lustie  in  wordes  and  threates  against  their 
enemies : they  beganne  to  plucke  up  their  hartes,  and  to 
looke  bigge,  imagining  that  the  Romaines  would  never  abide 
them,  but  would  be  afeard  to  looke  them  in  the  face,  and 
only  to  see  their  marche,  it  was  so  terrible  and  fearefull. 
But  Perseus,  after  he  had  incoraged  his  men  in  this  sorte, 
and  had  put  them  in  suche  a hope  and  jollitie,  when  this 
barbarous  supply  came  to  aske  him  a thousand  crownes  in 
hande  for  every  captaine,  he  was  so  damped  and  troubled 
withall  in  his  minde,  casting  up  the  summe  it  came  to,  that 
his  only  covetousnes  and  miserie  made  him  returne  them 
backe,  and  refuse  their  service  : not  as  one  that  ment  to  fight 
with  the  Romaines,  but  rather  to  spare  his  treasure,  and  to 
be  a husband  for  them,  as  if  he  should  have  geven  up  a 
straight  accompt  unto  them  of  his  charges  in  this  warre, 
against  whom  he  made  it.  And  notwithstanding  also  his 
enemies  dyd  teache  him  what  he  had  to  doe,  considering 
that  besides  all  other  their  warlike  furniture  and  munition, 
they  had  no  lesse  then  a hundred  thousand  fighting  men 
lying  in  campe  together,  ready  to  execute  the  Consuls  com- 
maundement.  Yet  he  taking  upon  him  to  resist  so  puissant 
208 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

an  armie,  and  to  mainteine  the  warres,  which  forced  his 
enemies  to  be  at  extreme  charge  in  enterteining  such  multi- 
tudes of  men,  and  more  then  needed : hardly  would  depart 
with  his  gold  and  silver,  but  kept  it  safe  locked  up  in  his 
treasurie,  as  if  he  had  bene  affrayed  to  touche  it,  and  had 
bene  none  of  his.  And  he  dyd  not  shewe  that  he  came 
of  the  noble  race  of  these  kings  of  Lydia,  and  of  Phoenicia, 
who  gloried  to  be  riche  : but  shewed  howe  by  inheritaunce 
of  bloude  he  chalenged  some  parte  of  the  vertue  of  Philip, 
and  of  Alexander,  who  both  bicause  they  esteemed  to  buye 
victorie  with  money,  not  money  with  victorie,  dyd  many 
notable  things,  and  thereby  conquered  the  world.  Hereof 
came  the  common  saying  in  olde  time,  that  it  was  not  Philip, 
but  his  gold  and  silver  that  wanne  the  citties  of  Greece.  And 
Alexander  when  he  went  to  conquer  the  Indes,  seeing  the 
Macedonians  carie  with  them  all  the  wealth  of  Persia,  which 
made  his  campe  very  heavie,  and  slowe  to  marche : he  him 
selfe  first  of  all  set  fire  of  his  owne  cariage  that  conveyed  all 
his  necessaries,  and  persuaded  other  to  doe  the  like,  that  they 
might  marche  more  lightly,  and  easelier  goe  on  the  jorney. 
But  Perseus  contrarilie  would  not  spend  any  parte  of  his 
goodes,  to  save  him  selfe,  his  children  and  Realme,  but  rather 
yelded  to  be  led  prisoner  in  triumphe  with  a great  ransome, 
to  shewe  the  Romaines  howe  good  a husband  he  had  bene 
for  them.  For  he  dyd  not  only  send  away  the  Gaules  with- 
out geving  them  paye  as  he  had  promised,  but  moreover 
having  persuaded  Gentius  king  of  Illyria  to  take  his  parte 
in  these  warres,  for  the  summe  of  three  hundred  talents 
which  he  had  promised  to  furnish  him  with  : he  caused  the 
money  to  be  told,  and  put  up  in  bagges  by  those  whom 
Gentius  sent  to  receive  it.  Whereupon  Gentius  thinking 
him  selfe  sure  of  the  money  promised,  committed  a fond  and 
fowle  parte : for  he  stayed  the  ambassadours  the  Romaines 
sent  unto  him,  and  committed  them  to  prisone.  This  parte 
being  come  to  Perseus  eares,  he  thought  now  he  needed  not 
hier  him  with  money  to  be  an  enemie  to  the  Romaines,  con- 
sidering he  had  waded  so  farre,  as  that  he  had  already  done, 
was  as  a manifest  signe  of  his  ill  will  towards  them,  and  that 
it  was  to  late  to  looke  backe  and  repent  him,  now  that  his 
2 : DD  209 


PAULUS 

JEMILIUS 


Gentius  king 
of  the  Illy- 
rians, ayded 
Perseus. 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 

Perseus 
double  deal- 
ing with  king 
Gentius. 

King  Gentius 
overcome  by 
Lucius  Ani- 
cius Praetor. 

Perseus  laye 
at  the  foote 
of  the  mount 
Olympus,  with 
4000  horse- 
men, and 
40000  foote- 
men. 


iEmylius  ad- 
monition to 
his  souldiers. 


Paulus  iEmy- 
lius  would 
have  the 
watch  to  have 
no  speares  nor 
pikes. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

fowle  parte  had  plonged  him  into  certen  warres,  for  an  un- 
certen  hope.  So  dyd  he  abuse  the  unfortunate  King,  and 
defrauded  him  of  the  three  hundred  talents  he  had  promised 
him.  And  worse  then  this,  shortely  after  he  suffered  Lucius 
Anicius  the  Romaine  Praetor,  whom  they  sent  against  him 
with  an  armie,  to  plucke  king  Gentius,  his  wife,  and  children, 
out  of  his  Realme  and  Kingdome,  and  to  carie  them  prisoners 
with  him.  Now  when  iEmylius  was  arrived  in  Macedon,  to 
make  warre  against  such  an  enemie : he  made  no  manner  of 
reckoning  of  his  persone,  but  of  the  great  preparation  and 
power  he  had.  For  in  one  campe  he  had  foure  thousand 
horsemen,  and  no  lesse  then  forty  thousand  footemen,  with 
the  which  armie  he  had  planted  him  selfe  alongest  the  sea 
side,  by  the  foote  of  the  mount  Olympus,  in  a place  unpos- 
sible to  be  approched : and  there  he  had  so  well  fortified 
all  the  straites  and  passages  unto  him  with  fortifications  of 
woode,  that  he  thought  him  selfe  to  lye  safe  out  of  all 
daunger,  and  imagined  to  dalie  with  ^Emylius,  and  by  tract 
of  time  to  eate  him  out  with  charge.  iEmylius  in  the  meane 
season  laye  not  idle,  but  occupied  his  wittes  throughly,  and 
left  no  meanes  unattempted,  to  put  some  thing  in  proofe. 
And  perceyving  that  his  souldiers  by  overmuche  licentious 
libertie  (wherein  by  sufferaunce  they  lived  before)  were  angrie 
with  delaying  and  lying  still,  and  that  they  dyd  busilie 
occupie  them  selves  in  the  generalles  office,  saying  this,  and 
suche  a thing  would  be  done  that  is  not  done  : he  tooke  them 
up  roundely,  and  commaunded  them  they  should  medle  no 
more  to  curiously  in  matters  that  perteined  not  to  them, 
and  that  they  should  take  care  for  nothing  els,  but  to  see 
their  armour  and  weapon  ready  to  serve  valliantly,  and  to 
use  their  swordes  after  the  Romaines  facion,  when  their 
generall  should  appoint  and  commaund  them.  Wherefore, 
to  make  them  more  carefull  to  looke  to  them  selves,  he  com- 
maunded those  that  watched  should  have  no  speares  nor 
pykes,  bicause  they  should  be  more  wakefull,  having  no  long 
weapon  to  resist  the  enemie,  if  they  were  assaulted.  The 
greatest  trouble  his  army  had,  was  lacke  of  freshe  water, 
bicause  the  water  that  ranne  to  the  sea  was  very  litle,  and 
marvelous  fowle  by  the  sea  side.  But  iEmylius  considering 
210 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

they  were  at  the  foote  of  the  mount  Olympus  (which  is  of  a PAULUS 

marvelous  height,  and  full  of  wodde  withall)  conjectured,  *®MILIUS 

seeing  the  trees  so  freshe  and  grene,  that  there  should  be 

some  litle  pretie  springes  among  them,  which  ranne  under 

the  grounde.  So  he  made  them  digge  many  holes  and  welles  The  originall 

alongest  the  mountaine,  which  were  straight  filled  with  fayer  °f  springes. 

water,  being  pent  within  ground  before  for  lacke  of  breaking 

open  the  heades,  which  then  ranne  downe  in  streames,  and 

met  together  in  sundrie  places.  And  yet  some  doe  denie, 

that  there  is  any  meeting  of  waters  within  the  grounde,  from 

whence  the  springes  doe  come.  For  they  saye,  that  ronning 

out  of  the  earth  as  they  doe,  it  is  not  for  that,  that  the  water 

breaketh  out  by  any  violence,  or  openeth  in  any  place,  as 

meeting  together  in  one  place  of  long  time  : but  that  it  in- 

gendreth  and  riseth,  at  the  same  time  and  place  where  it 

ronneth  out,  turning  the  substaunce  into  water,  which  is  a 

moist  vapour,  thickneth  and  waxeth  cold  by  the  coldnes  of 

the  earth,  and  so  becommeth  a streame,  and  ronneth  downe. 

Even  so,  saye  they,  as  womens  brestes  are  not  allwayes  full  Fountain es 

of  milke,  as  milke  pannes  are  that  continually  keepe  milke, 

but  doe  of  them  selves  convert  the  nutriment  women  take  ^rests 

into  milke,  and  after  commeth  forth  at  their  nipples : the 

very  like  are  springes  and  watery  places  of  the  earth,  from 

whence  the  fountaines  come,  which  have  no  meeting  of  hidden 

waters,  nor  hollowe  places  capable,  readily  to  deliver  water 

from  them,  as  one  would  drawe  it  out  of  a pompe,  or  sesterne, 

from  so  many  great  brookes,  and  deepe  rivers.  But  by  their 

naturall  coldnes  and  moisture,  they  waxe  thicke,  and  put 

forth  the  vapour  and  ayer  so  strong,  that  they  turne  it  into 

water.  And  this  is  the  reason  why  the  places  where  they 

digge  and  open  the  earth,  doe  put  forth  more  abundaunce  of 

water  by  opening  the  grounde : like  as  womens  brestes  doe 

geve  more  milke,  when  they  are  most  drawen  and  suckt, 

bicause  in  a sorte  they  doe  better  feede  the  vapour  within 

them,  and  convert  it  thereby  into  a ronning  humour.  Where, 

to  the  contrarie,  those  partes  of  the  earth  that  are  not  digged, 

nor  have  no  vent  outward,  are  the  more  unable,  and  lesse  mete 

to  ingender  water,  having  not  that  provocation  and  course 

to  ronne,  that  causeth  the  bringing  forth  of  moisture.  Yet 

211 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


Scipio  Nasica, 
and  Fabius 
Maximus, 
offer  them 
selves  to  take 
the  straights. 


such  as  mainteine  this  opinion,  doe  geve  them  occasion  that 
love  argument,  to  contrarie  them  thus.  Then  we  maye  saye 
by  like  reason  also,  that  in  the  bodies  of  beastes  there  is  no 
bloud  long  before,  and  that  it  ingendreth  upon  a sodaine, 
when  they  are  hurte,  by  transferring  of  some  spirite  or  fleshe 
that  readilie  chaungeth  into  some  ronning  licoure.  And 
moreover,  they  are  confuted  by  the  common  experience  of 
these  mine  men,  that  digge  in  the  mines  for  mettell,  or  that 
undermine  castells  to  winne  them  : who  when  they  digge  any 
great  depth,  doe  many  times  meete  in  the  bowells  of  the 
earth  with  ronning  rivers,  the  water  whereof  is  not  ingendred 
by  litle  and  litle,  as  of  necessitie  it  should  be,  if  it  were  true, 
that  upon  the  present  opening  of  the  ground,  the  humour 
should  immediatly  be  created,  but  it  falleth  vehemently  all 
at  one  time.  And  we  see  oftentimes  that  in  cutting  through 
a mountaine  or  rocke,  sodainely  there  ronneth  out  a great 
quantitie  of  water.  And  thus  much  for  this  matter.  Now 
to  returne  to  our  historie  againe.  iEmylius  laye  there  a 
convenient  time,  and  stirred  not : and  it  is  sayed  there  were 
never  seene  two  so  great  armies  one  so  neere  to  the  other, 
and  to  be  so  quiet.  In  the  ende,  casting  many  things  with 
him  selfe,  and  devising  sundrie  practises,  he  was  enformed 
of  another  waye  to  enter  into  Macedon,  through  the  countrie 
of  Perraebia,  over  against  the  temple  called  Pythion,  and  the 
rocke  upon  which  it  is  built,  where  there  laye  no  garrison  : 
which  gave  him  better  hope  to  passe  that  waye,  for  that  it 
was  not  kept,  then  that  he  feared  the  narrownes  and  hardnes 
of  the  waye  unto  it.  So,  he  brake  the  matter  to  his  counsaill. 
Thereupon  Scipio  called  Nasica  (the  sonne  adopted  of  that 
great  Scipio  the  African,  who  became  afterwards  a great 
man,  and  was  president  of  the  Senate  or  counsell)  was  the 
first  man  that  offred  him  self  to  leade  them,  whom  it  would 
please  him  to  send  to  take  that  passage,  and  to  assault  their 
enemies  behind.  The  second  was  Fabius  Maximus,  the  eldest 
sonne  of  vEmylius,  who  being  but  a very  young  man,  rose 
notwithstanding,  and  offred  him  self  very  willingly.  ^Emylius 
was  very  glad  of  their  offers,  and  gave  them  not  so  many  men 
as  Polybius  writeth,  but  so  many  as  Nasica  him  self  declare th, 
in  a letter  of  his  he  wrote  to  a King,  where  he  reporteth  all 
212 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

the  storie  of  this  jorney.  There  were  3000  Italians  leavied 
in  Italie,  by  the  confederats  of  the  Romaines,  who  were  not 
of  the  Romaine  legions,  and  in  the  left  winge  about  5000. 
Besides  those,  Nasica  tooke  also  120  men  at  armes,  and  about 
200  Cretans  and  Thracians  mingled  together,  of  those  Har- 
palus  had  sent  thither.  With  this  number  Nasica  departed 
from  the  campe,  and  tooke  his  waye  toward  the  sea  side,  and 
lodged  by  the  temple  of  Hercules,  as  if  he  had  determined 
to  doe  this  feate  by  sea,  to  environne  the  campe  of  the  enemies 
behind.  But  when  the  souldiers  had  supped,  and  that  it  was 
darke  night,  he  made  the  captaines  of  every  bande  privie  to 
his  enterprise,  and  so  marched  all  night  a contrary  waye  from 
the  sea,  untill  at  the  length  they  came  under  the  temple  of 
Pythion,  where  he  lodged  to  rest  the  souldiers  that  were 
sore  travelled  all  night.  In  this  place,  the  mount  Olympus 
is  above  tenne  furlonge  highe,  as  appeareth  in  a place  ingraven 
by  him  that  measured  it. 

Olympus  mounte  is  just,  by  measure  made  with  line, 

twelve  hundred  seventie  paces  trodde,  as  measure  can  assigne. 

The  measure  being  made,  right  ore  against  the  place, 

whereas  Apolloes  temple  stands,  ybuilt  with  stately  grace. 

Even  from  the  leavell  plott,  of  that  same  countries  plaine, 
unto  the  toppe  which  all  on  highe,  doth  on  the  hill  remaine. 

And  so  Xenagoras  the  sonne  of  Eumelus, 

in  olden  dayes  by  measure  made,  the  same  dyd  finde  for  us. 

And  dyd  engrave  it  here  in  writing  for  to  see, 

when  as  he  tooke  his  latest  leave  (Apollo  god)  of  thee. 

Yet  the  Geometricians  saye,  that  there  is  no  mountaine 
higher,  nor  sea  deeper,  then  the  length  of  tenne  furlonges : 
so  that  I thinke  this  Xenagoras  (in  my  opinion)  dyd  not 
take  his  measure  at  aventure,  and  by  gesse,  but  by  true 
rules  of  the  arte,  and  instrumentes  Geometricall.  There 
Nasica  rested  all  night.  King  Perseus  perceyving  in  the 
meane  time  that  ^Emylius  stirred  not  from  the  place  where 
he  laye,  mistrusted  nothing  his  practise,  and  the  comming 
of  Nasica  who  was  at  hande : untill  such  time  as  a traitour 
of  Creta  (stealing  from  Nasica)  dyd  reveale  unto  him  the 
pretended  practise,  as  also  the  Romaines  compassing  of  him 
about.  He  wondred  muche  at  these  newes,  howbeit  he 
^ 213 


PAULUS 

jEMILIUS 


The  height 
of  the  mount 
Olympus. 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


Nisica  wanne 
the  straights 
of  Macedon. 


Perseus 
pitched  his 
campe  before 
the  cittie  of 
Pydne. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

removed  not  his  campe  from  the  place  he  laye  in,  but 
dispatched  one  of  his  captaines  called  Milon,  with  tenne 
thousand  straungers,  and  two  thousand  Macedonians : and 
straightly  commanded  him  with  all  the  possible  speede  he 
could,  to  get  the  toppe  of  the  hill  before  them.  Polybius 
sayeth,  that  the  Romaines  came  and  gave  them  an  alarom, 
when  they  were  sleeping.  But  Nasica  writeth,  that  there 
was  a marv  elous  sharpe  and  terrible  battell  on  the  toppe  of 
the  mountaine : and  sayed  plainely,  that  a Thracian  souldier 
comming  towards  him,  he  threwe  his  darte  at  him,  and 
hitting  him  right  in  the  brest,  slue  him  starke  dead : and 
having  repulsed  their  enemies,  Milon  their  captaine  shame- 
fully ronning  awaye  in  his  coate  without  armour  or  weapon, 
he  followed  him  without  any  daunger,  and  so  went  downe 
to  the  valley,  with  the  safety  of  all  his  companie.  This 
conflict  fortuning  thus,  Perseus  raised  his  campe  in  great 
haste  from  the  place  where  he  was,  and  being  disapointed 
of  his  hope,  he  retired  in  great  feare,  as  one  at  his  wittes 
ende,  and  not  knowing  ho  we  to  determine.  Yet  was  he 
constrained  either  to  staye,  and  incampe  before  the  cittie 
of  Pydne,  there  to  take  the  hazard  of  battell : or  els  to 
devide  his  armie  into  his  citties  and  strong  holdes,  and  to 
receyve  the  warres  within  his  owne  countrie,  the  which  being 
once  crept  in,  could  never  be  driven  out  againe,  without 
great  murder  and  bloudeshed.  Hereupon  his  friends  dyd 
counsell  him,  to  choose  rather  the  fortune  of  battell : alledg- 
ing unto  him,  that  he  was  the  stronger  in  men  a great 
waye,  and  that  the  Macedonians  would  fight  lustely  with 
all  the  corage  they  could,  considering  that  they  fought  for 
the  safety  of  their  wives  and  children,  and  also  in  the  pre- 
sence of  their  King,  who  should  both  see  every  mans  doing, 
and  fight  him  selfe  in  persone  also  for  them.  The  King 
moved  by  these  persuasions,  determined  to  venter  the 
chaunce  of  battell.  So  he  pitched  his  campe,  and  viewed 
the  situation  of  the  places  all  about,  and  devided  the  com- 
panies amongest  his  captaines,  purposing  to  geve  a whotte 
charge  upon  the  enemies  when  they  should  drawe  nere. 
The  place  and  countrie  was  suche,  as  being  all  champion, 
there  was  a goodly  valley  to  raunge  a battell  of  footemen 
214 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

in,  and  litle  prety  hilles  also  one  depending  upon  another, 
which  were  very  commodious  for  archers,  naked  men,  and 
such  as  were  lightly  armed,  to  retire  them  selves  unto 
being  distressed,  and  also  to  environne  their  enemies  behind. 
There  were  two  small  rivers  also,  vEson  and  Leucus  that 
ranne  through  the  same,  the  which  though  they  were  not 
very  deepe,  being  about  the  later  ende  of  the  sommer,  yet 
they  would  annoye  the  Romaines  notwithstanding.  Now 
when  iEmylius  was  joyned  with  Nasica,  he  marched  on 
straight  in  battell  raye  towards  his  enemies.  But  perceyv- 
ing  a farre  of  their  battell  marched  in  very  good  order,  and 
the  great  multitude  of  men  placed  in  the  same : he  wondred 
to  behold  it,  and  sodainly  stayed  his  armie,  considering  with 
him  selfe  what  he  had  to  doe.  Then  the  young  captaines 
having  charge  under  him,  desirous  to  fight  it  out  presently, 
went  unto  him  to  praye  him  to  geve  the  onset : but  Nasica 
specially  above  the  rest,  having  good  hope  in  the  former 
good  lucke  he  had  at  his  first  encounter.  ^Emylius  smiling, 
aunswered  him : So  would  I doe,  if  I were  as  young  as  thou. 
But  the  sundry  victories  I have  wonne  heretofore,  having 
taught  me  by  experience  the  faultes  the  vanquished  doe 
commit : doe  forbid  me  to  goe  so  whottely  to  worke  (before 
my  souldiers  have  rested,  which  dyd  retume  but  now)  to 
assault  an  armie  set  in  suche  order  of  battell.  When  he  had 
aunswered  him  thus,  he  commaunded  the  first  bands  that 
were  now  in  vie  we  of  the  enemies,  should  imbattell  them 
selves,  shewing  a countenaunce  to  the  enemie  as  though  they 
would  fight : and  that  those  in  the  rereward  should  lodge 
in  the  meane  time,  and  fortifie  the  campe.  So,  bringing  the 
foremost  men  to  be  hindemost,  by  chaunging  from  man  to 
man  before  the  enemies  were  ware  of  it : he  had  broken  his 
battell  by  litle  and  litle,  and  lodged  his  men,  fortified  within 
the  campe  without  any  tumult  or  noyse,  and  the  enemies 
never  perceyving  it.  But  when  night  came,  and  every  man 
had  supped,  as  they  were  going  to  sleepe  and  take  their  rest : 
the  moone  which  was  at  the  full,  and  of  a great  height,  be- 
ganne  to  darken,  and  to  chaunge  into  many  sortes  of  cullers, 
losing  her  light,  untill  suche  time  as  she  vanished  awaye, 
and  was  eclipsed  altogether.  Then  the  Romaines  beganne 

215 


PAULUS 

jEMILIUS 


The  rivers  of 
jEson  and 
Leucus. 


.Emylius 
aunswer  to 
Scipio  Nasica, 
for  geving 
charge  apon 
the  enemies. 

The  skill  and 
foresight  of  a 
wise  captaine. 


The  eclipse  of 
the  moone. 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 

The  supersti- 
tion of  the 
Romaines 
when  the 
moone  is 
eclipsed. 


The  cause  of 
an  eclipse  of 
the  moone. 


iEmylius 
policie  to 
procure 
skirmishe. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

to  make  a noyse  with  basons  and  pannes,  as  their  facion  is 
to  doe  in  suche  a chaunce,  thinking  by  this  sound  to  call 
her  againe,  and  to  make  her  come  to  her  light,  lifting  up 
many  torches  lighted,  and  firebrands  into  the  ayer.  The 
Macedonians  on  thother  side  dyd  no  suche  matter  within 
their  campe,  but  were  all  together  striken  with  an  horrible 
feare:  and  there  ranne  straight  a whispering  rumour  through 
the  people,  that  this  signe  in  the  element  signified  the  eclipse 
of  the  King.  For  iEmylius  was  not  ignoraunt  of  the  diver- 
sities of  the  eclipses,  and  he  had  heard  saye  the  cause  is,  by 
reason  that  the  moone  making  her  ordinarie  course  about 
the  world  (after  certen  revolutions  of  time)  doth  come  to 
enter  into  the  round  shadowe  of  the  earth,  within  the  which 
she  remaineth  hidden : untill  suche  time  as  having  past  the 
darke  region  of  the  shadow,  she  commeth  afterwards  to 
recover  her  light  which  she  taketh  of  the  sunne.  Never- 
theles,  he  being  a godly  devout  man,  so  sone  as  he  perceyved 
the  moone  had  recovered  her  former  brightnes  againe,  he 
sacrificed  eleven  calves.  And  the  next  morning  also  by 
the  breake  of  daye,  making  sacrifice  to  Hercules,  he  could 
never  have  any  signes  or  tokens  that  promised  him  good 
lucke,  in  sacrificing  twenty  oxen  one  after  another : but 
at  the  one  and  twenteth,  he  had  signes  that  promised  him 
victorie,  so  he  defended  him  self.  Wherfore,  after  he  had 
vowed  a solemne  sacrifice  of  a hundred  oxen  to  Hercules, 
and  also  games  of  prices  at  the  weapons,  he  commaunded 
his  captaines  to  put  their  men  in  readines  to  fight : and  so 
sought  to  winne  time,  tarying  till  the  sunne  came  about  in 
the  after  noone  towardes  the  West,  to  the  ende  that  the 
Romaines  which  were  turned  towardes  the  East,  should  not 
have  it  in  their  faces  when  they  were  fighting.  In  the  meane 
time,  he  reposed  him  selfe  in  his  tent,  which  was  all  open 
behind  towardes  the  side  that  looked  into  the  valley,  where 
the  campe  of  his  enemies  laye.  When  it  grewe  towards 
night,  to  make  the  enemies  set  apon  his  men : some  saye 
he  used  this  policie.  He  made  a horse  be  driven  towards 
them  without  a bridell,  and  certen  Romaines  followed  him, 
as  they  would  have  taken  him  againe : and  this  was  the 
cause  of  procuring  the  skirmishe.  Other  saye,  that  the 
216 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


Thracians  serving  under  the  charge  of  captaine  Alexander, 
dyd  set  apon  certen  forragers  of  the  Romaines,  that  brought 
forage  into  the  campe : out  of  the  which,  seven  hundred  of 
the  Ligurians  ranne  sodainly  to  the  rescue,  and  relief  com- 
ming  still  from  both  armies,  at  the  last  the  mayne  battell 
followed  after.  Wherefore  iEmilius  like  a wise  generall 
foreseeing  by  the  daunger  of  this  skirmishe,  and  the  stir- 
ring of  both  campes,  what  the  furie  of  the  battell  would 
come  to : came  out  of  his  tent,  and  passing  by  the  bandes, 
dyd  encorage  them,  and  prayed  them  to  sticke  to  it  like 
men.  In  the  meane  time,  Nasica  thrusting  him  selfe  into 
the  place  where  the  skirmishe  was  whottest,  perceyved  the 
army  of  the  enemies  marching  in  battell,  ready  to  joyne. 
The  first  that  marched  in  the  voward,  were  the  Thracians, 
who  seemed  terrible  to  looke  apon,  as  he  writeth  him  self:  for 
they  were  mightie  made  men,  and  caried  marvelous  bright 
targets  of  steele  before  them,  their  legges  were  armed 
with  greaves,  and  their  thighes  with  tases,  their  coates 
were  blacke,  and  marched  shaking  heavy  halberds  upon 
their  shoulders.  Next  unto  these  Thracians,  there  followed 
them  all  the  other  straungers  and  souldiers  whom  the  King 
had  hiered,  diversely  armed  and  set  forth  : for  they  were 
people  of  sundrie  nations  gathered  together,  emong  whom 
the  Paeonians  were  mingled.  The  third  squadron  was  of 
Macedonians,  and  all  of  them  chosen  men,  aswell  for  the 
flower  of  their  youthe,  as  for  the  valliantnes  of  their  per- 
sones : and  they  were  all  in  goodly  gilt  armours,  and  brave 
purple  cassocks  apon  them,  spicke,  and  spanne  newe.  And 
at  their  backes  came  after  them,  the  olde  bandes  to  shewe 
them  selves  out  of  the  campe,  with  targets  of  copper,  that 
made  all  the  plaine  to  shine  with  the  brightnes  of  their 
steele  and  copper.  And  all  the  hilles  and  mountaines  there- 
abouts dyd  ringe  againe  like  an  Eccho,  with  the  crie  and 
noyse  of  so  many  fighting  men,  one  incoraging  another.  In 
this  order  they  marched  so  fiercely,  with  so  great  harte  burn- 
ing, and  such  swiftnes : that  the  first  which  were  slaine  at 
the  incounter,  fell  dead  two  furlonges  from  the  campe  of 
the  Romaines.  The  charge  being  geven,  and  the  battell 
begonne,  ^Emylius  galloping  to  the  voward  of  his  battell, 
2 : EE  217 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


The  army  of 
the  Macedoni- 
ans, marching 
against  the 
Romaines 
in  battell. 


The  battell 
hetwext 
Perseus  and 
iEmylius. 


PAULUS 

JEMILIUS 


Perseus  goeth 
out  of  the 
battell  unto 
Pydne. 


Victorie 
wonne  by 
labour,  not 
by  slothe. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

perceyved  that  the  captaines  of  the  Macedonians  which  were 
in  the  first  ranckes,  had  already  thrust  their  pikes  into  the 
Ptomaines  targets,  so  as  they  could  not  come  neere  them 
with  their  swordes : and  that  the  other  Macedonians  cary- 
ing  their  targets  behinde  them,  had  now  plucked  them  before 
them,  and  dyd  base  their  pikes  all  at  one  time,  and  made 
a violent  thrust  into  the  targets  of  the  Romaines.  Which 
when  he  had  considered,  and  of  what  strength  and  force 
his  walle  and  rancke  of  targets  was,  one  joyning  so  neere 
another,  and  what  a terrour  it  was  to  see  a fronte  of  a 
battell  with  so  many  armed  pikes  and  steele  heades : he 
was  more  afeard  and  amazed  withall,  then  with  any  sight 
he  ever  sawe  before.  Nevertheles  he  could  wisely  dissemble 
it  at  that  time.  And  so  passing  by  the  companies  of  his 
horsemen,  without  either  curaces  or  helmet  upon  his  head, 
he  shewed  a noble  cherefull  countenaunce  unto  them  that 
fought.  But  on  the  contrarie  side,  Perseus  the  king  of 
Macedon,  as  Polybius  writeth,  so  sone  as  the  battell  was 
begonne,  withdrewe  him  self,  and  got  into  the  cittie  of 
Pydne,  under  pretence  to  goe  to  doe  sacrifice  unto  Hercules : 
who  doth  not  accept  the  fainte  sacrifice  of  cowards,  neither 
doth  receyve  their  prayers,  bicause  they  be  unreasonable. 
For  it  is  no  reason,  that  he  that  shooteth  not,  should  hyt 
the  white:  nor  that  he  should  winne  the  victorie,  that  bideth 
not  the  battell : neither  that  he  should  have  any  good,  that 
doeth  nothing  toward  it : nor  that  a naughty  man  should 
be  fortunate,  and  prosper.  The  goddes  dyd  favour  ^Emylius 
prayers,  bicause  he  prayed  for  victorie  with  his  sworde  in 
his  hande,  and  fighting  dyd  call  to  them  for  ayde.  Howbeit 
there  is  one  Posidonius  a writer,  who  sayeth  he  was  in  that 
time,  and  moreover,  that  he  was  at  the  battell : and  he  hath 
written  an  historie  conteining  many  bookes  of  the  actes  of 
king  Perseus,  where  he  sayeth  that  it  was  not  for  fainte 
harte,  nor  under  culler  to  sacrifice  unto  Hercules,  that  Perseus 
went  from  the  battell:  but  bicause  he  had  a stripe  of  a horse 
on  the  thighe  the  daye  before.  Who  though  he  could  not 
very  well  helpe  him  self,  and  that  all  his  friends  sought  to 
persuade  him  not  to  goe  to  the  battell : yet  he  caused  one  of 
his  horse  to  be  brought  to  him  notwithstanding  (which  he 
218 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


commonly  used  to  ryde  up  and  downe  on)  and  taking  his 
backe,  rode  into  the  battell  unarmed,  where  an  infinite 
number  of  dartes  were  throwen  at  him  from  both  sides. 
And  emong  those,  he  had  a blowe  with  a darte  that  hurte 
him  somwhat,  but  it  was  overthwart,  and  not  with  the 
pointe,  and  dyd  hit  him  on  the  left  side  glawnsing  wise, 
with  suche  a force,  that  it  rent  his  coate,  and  rased  his 
skinne  underneath,  so  as  it  left  a marke  behinde  a long 
time  after.  And  this  is  all  that  Posidonius  writeth  to 
defend  and  excuse  Perseus.  The  Romaines  having  their 
hands  full,  and  being  stayed  by  the  battell  of  the  Mace- 
donians that  they  could  make  no  breache  into  them : there 
was  a captaine  of  the  Pelignians  called  Salius,  who  tooke 
the  ensigne  of  his  band,  and  cast  it  among  the  prease  of 
his  enemies.  Then  all  the  Pelignians  brake  in  apon  them, 
with  a marvelous  force  and  furie  into  that  place:  for  all 
Italians  thinke  it  to  great  a shame  and  dishonour  for 
souldiers,  to  lose,  or  forsake  their  ensigne.  Thus  was  there 
marvelous  force  of  both  sides  used  in  that  place : for  the 
Pelignians  proved  to  cut  the  Macedonians  pikes  with  their 
swordes,  or  els  to  make  them  geve  backe  with  their  great 
targets,  or  to  make  a breache  into  them,  and  to  take  the 
pikes  with  their  handes.  But  the  Macedonians  to  the  con- 
trarie,  holding  their  pikes  fast  with  both  hands,  ranne  them 
thorow  that  came  neere  unto  them : so  that  neither  target 
nor  corselet  could  hold  out  the  force  and  violence  of  the 
pushe  of  their  pikes,  in  so  muche  as  they  turned  up  the 
heeles  of  the  Pelignians  and  Terracinians,  who  like  desperate 
beastes  without  reason,  shutting  in  them  selves  emong  their 
enemies,  ranne  wilfully  upon  their  owne  deathes,  and  their 
first  rancke  were  slaine  every  man  of  them.  Thereupon 
those  that  were  behind,  gave  backe  a litle,  but  fled  not 
turning  their  backes,  and  only  retired  geving  backe,  towardes 
the  mountaine  Olocrus.  iEmylius  seeing  that  (as  Posidonius 
writeth)  rent  his  arming  coate  from  his  backe  for  anger, 
bicause  that  some  of  his  men  gave  backe : other  durst  not 
fronte  the  battell  of  the  Macedonians,  which  was  so  strongly 
imbattelled  of  every  side,  and  so  mured  in  with  a wall  of 
pikes,  presenting  their  armed  heades  on  everie  side  a man 

219 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


Salius  a cap- 
taine of  the 
Pelignians 
tooke  the  en- 
signe, and 
threwe  it 
among  the 
enemies. 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

could  come,  that  it  was  impossible  to  breake  into  them,  no 
not  so  muche  as  to  come  neere  them  only.  Yet  notwith- 
standing, bicause  the  field  was  not  altogether  plaine  and 
even,  the  battell  that  was  large  in  the  front e,  could  not 
allwayes  keepe  that  walle,  continuing  their  targets  close 
one  to  another,  but  they  were  driven  of  necessitie  to  breake 
and  open  in  many  places,  as  it  happeneth  oft  in  great 
battells,  according  to  the  great  force  of  the  souldiers : that 
in  one  place  they  thrust  forward,  and  in  another  they  geve 
backe,  and  leave  a hole.  Wherefore  dEmylius  sodainly  taken 
the  vauntage  of  this  occasion,  devided  his  men  into  small 
companies,  and  commaunded  them  they  should  quickly  thrust 
in  betwene  their  enemies,  and  occupie  the  places  they  sawe 
voyde  in  the  fronte  of  their  enemies,  and  that  they  should 
set  on  them  in  that  sorte,  and  not  with  one  whole  continuall 
charge,  but  occupying  them  here  and  there  with  divers  com- 
panies, in  sundry  places,  ^mylius  gave  this  charge  unto 
the  private  captaines  of  every  band  and  their  lieutenaunts, 
and  the  captaines  also  gave  the  like  charge  unto  their 
souldiers  that  could  skilfully  execute  their  commaundement. 
For  they  went  presently  into  those  partes  where  they  sawe 
the  places  open,  and  being  once  entred  in  among  them,  some 
gave  charge  upon  the  flanckes  of  the  Macedonians,  where  they 
were  all  naked  and  unarmed:  other  set  upon  them  behind:  so 
that  the  strength  of  all  the  corpes  of  the  battell  (which  con- 
sisted in  keeping  close  together)  being  opened  in  this  sorte, 
was  straight  overthrowen.  Furthermore,  when  they  came 
to  fight  man  for  man,  or  a fewe  against  a fewe : the  Mace- 
donians with  their  litle  shorte  swordes,  came  to  strike  upon 
the  great  sheldes  of  the  Romaines,  which  were  very  strong, 
and  covered  all  their  bodies  downe  to  the  foote.  And  they 
to  the  contrarie,  were  driven  of  necessitie  to  receave  the 
blowes  of  the  strong  heavy  swordes  of  the  Romaines,  upon 
their  litle  weake  targettes : so  that  what  with  their  heavines, 
and  the  vehement  force  wherewith  the  blowes  lighted  upon 
them,  there  was  no  target  nor  corselet,  but  they  passed  it 
through,  and  ranne  them  in.  By  reason  whereof  they  could 
make  no  long  resistance,  whereupon  they  turned  their  backes, 
and  ranne  awaye.  But  when  they  came  to  the  squadron  of 
22  0 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

the  olde  beaten  souldiers  of  the  Macedonians,  there  was  the 
cruellest  fight  and  most  desperate  service,  where  they  saye 
that  Marcus  Cato  (sonne  of  great  Cato,  and  sonne  in  lawe  of 
iEmylius)  shewing  all  the  valliantnes  in  his  persone  that  a 
noble  minde  could  possibly  performe,  lost  his  sword  which 
fell  out  of  his  hande.  But  he  like  a young  man  of  noble 
corage,  that  had  bene  valliantly  brought  up  in  all  discipline, 
and  knew  how  to  follow  the  steppes  of  his  father  (the  noblest 
persone  that  ever  man  sawe)  was  to  shewe  then  his  value  and 
worthines : and  thought  it  more  honour  for  him  there  to 
dye,  then  living  to  suffer  his  enemies  to  enjoye  any  spoyle  of 
his.  So,  by  and  by  he  ranne  into  the  Romaine  army,  to 
finde  out  some  of  his  friendes,  whom  he  tolde  what  had 
befalled  him,  and  prayed  them  to  helpe  him  to  recover  his 
sworde  : whereto  they  agreed.  And  being  a good  company 
of  lusty  valliant  souldiers  together,  they  rushed  straight  in 
among  their  enemies,  at  the  place  where  he  brought  them, 
and  so  dyd  set  apon  them  with  suche  force  and  furie,  that 
they  made  a lane  through  the  middest  of  them,  and  with 
great  slaughter  and  spilling  of  bloude,  even  by  plaine  force, 
they  cleared  the  waye  still  before  them.  Now  when  the 
place  was  voyded,  they  sought  for  the  sworde,  and  in  the 
ende  founde  it  with  great  a doe,  amongest  a heape  of  other 
swords  and  dead  bodies,  whereat  they  rejoy ced  marvelously. 
Then  singing  a songe  of  victorie,  they  went  againe  more 
fiercely  then  before  to  geve  a charge  upon  their  enemies, 
who  were  not  yet  broken  a sonder : untill  suche  time  as  at 
the  length,  the  three  thousand  chosen  Macedonians  fighting 
valliantly  even  to  the  last  man,  and  never  forsaking  their 
rancks,  were  all  slaine  in  the  place.  After  whose  overthrowe, 
there  was  a great  slaughter  of  other  also  that  fled : so  that 
all  the  valley  and  foote  of  the  mountaines  thereaboutes  was 
covered  with  dead  bodies.  The  next  daye  after  the  battell, 
when  the  Romaines  dyd  passe  over  the  river  of  Leucus,  they 
founde  it  ronning  all  a bloude.  For  it  is  sayed  there  were 
slaine  at  this  field,  of  Perseus  men,  above  five  and  twentie 
thousand : and  of  the  Romaines  side,  as  Posidonius  sayeth, 
not  above  sixe  score,  or  as  Nasica  writeth,  but  foure  score 
only.  And  for  so  great  an  overthrowe,  it  is  reported  it  was 

221 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 

The  valliant- 
nes of  Marcus 
Cato. 


iEmilius 
victorie  of 
Perseus. 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 

The  battell 
fought  and 
wonne  in 
one  hower. 


The  valliant- 
nes  of  Scipio 
the  lesse. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

wonderfull  quickly  done,  and  executed.  For  they  beganne 
to  fight  about  three  of  the  clocke  in  the  after  noone,  and 
had  wonne  the  victorie  before  foure,  and  all  the  rest  of  the 
daye  they  followed  their  enemies  in  chase,  an  hundred  and 
twenty  furlonges  from  the  place  where  the  battell  was  fought : 
so  that  it  was  very  late,  and  farre  forth  night,  before  they 
returned  againe  into  the  campe.  So  suche  as  returned,  were 
receyved  with  marvelous  great  joye  of  their  pages  that  went 
out  with  linckes  and  torches  lighted,  to  bring  their  masters 
into  their  tentes,  where  their  men  had  made  great  bonfiers, 
and  decked  them  up  with  crownes  and  garlands  of  laurell, 
saving  the  generalles  tent  only : who  was  very  heavy,  for  that 
of  his  two  sonnes  he  brought  with  him  to  the  warres,  the 
younger  could  not  be  founde,  which  he  loved  best  of  the 
twaine,  bicause  he  sawe  he  was  of  a better  nature  then  the 
rest  of  his  brethern.  For  even  then,  being  newe  crept  out  of 
the  shell  as  it  were,  he  was  marvelous  valliant  and  hardie, 
and  desired  honour  wonderfully.  Now  ^Emylius  thought  he 
had  bene  cast  awaye,  fearing  least  for  lacke  of  experience  in 
the  warres,  and  through  the  rashnes  of  his  youthe,  he  had 
put  him  selfe  to  farre  in  fight  amongest  the  prease  of  the 
enemies.  Hereupon  the  campe  heard  straight  what  sorowe 
iEmylius  was  in,  and  how  grievously  he  tooke  it.  The 
Ptomaines  being  set  at  supper,  rose  from  their  meate,  and 
with  torche  light  some  ranne  to  iEmylius  tent,  other  went 
out  of  the  campe  to  seeke  him  among  the  dead  bodies,  if 
they  might  knowe  him : so  all  the  campe  was  full  of  sorowe 
and  mourning,  the  vallies  and  hilles  all  abouts  dyd  ringe 
againe  with  the  cries  of  those  that  called  Scipio  alowde.  For 
even  from  his  childhood  he  had  a naturall  gift  in  him,  of  all 
the  rare  and  singular  partes  required  in  a captaine  and  wise 
governour  of  the  common  weale  above  all  the  young  men  of 
his  time.  At  the  last,  when  they  were  out  of  all  hope  of  his 
comming  againe,  he  happely  returned  from  the  chase  of  the 
enemies,  with  two  or  three  of  his  familliars  only,  all  bloudied 
with  new  bloude  (like  a swift  running  greyhownde  fleshed 
with  the  bloude  of  the  hare)  having  pursued  very  farre  for 
joye  of  the  victorie.  It  is  that  Scipio  which  afterwards  de- 
stroyed both  the  citties  of  Carthage  and  Numantium,  who 
222 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


was  the  greatest  man  of  warre,  and  valliantest  captaine  of 
the  Romaines  in  his  time,  and  of  the  greatest  authoritie  and 
reputation  emong  them.  Thus  fortune  deferring  till  another 
time  the  execution  of  her  spite,  which  she  dyd  beare  to  so 
noble  an  exployte,  suffered  ^Emylius  for  that  time,  to  take 
his  ful  pleasure  of  that  noble  victorie.  And  as  for  Perseus, 
he  fled  first  from  the  cittie  of  Pydne,  unto  the  cittie  of  Pella, 
with  his  horsemen,  which  were  in  manner  all  saved.  Where- 
upon the  footemen  that  saved  them  selves  by  flying,  meeting 
them  by  the  waye,  called  them  traitours,  cowards,  and  villanes: 
and  worse  then  that,  they  turned  them  of  their  horse  backes, 
and  fought  it  out  lustely  with  them.  Perseus  seeing  that, 
and  fearing  least  this  mutinie  might  turne  to  light  on  his 
necke,  he  turned  his  horse  out  of  the  highe  waye,  and  pulled 
of  his  purple  coate,  and  caried  it  before  him,  and  tooke  his 
diademe,  fearing  least  they  should  knowe  him  by  these 
tokens : and  bicause  he  might  more  easely  speake  with  his 
friends  by  the  waye,  he  lighted  a foote,  and  led  his  horse  in 
his  hande.  But  suche  as  were  about  him,  one  made  as  though 
he  would  mende  the  latchet  of  his  shooe,  an  other  seemed  to 
water  his  horse,  another  as  though  he  would  drincke  : so  that 
one  dragging  after  another  in  this  sorte,  they  all  left  him  at 
the  last,  and  ranne  their  waye,  not  fearing  the  enemies  furie 
so  muche,  as  their  Kings  crueltie:  who  being  greved  with 
his  misfortune,  sought  to  laye  the  faulte  of  the  overthrowe 
upon  all  other,  but  him  selfe.  Now  he  being  come  into  the 
cittie  of  Pella  by  night,  Euctus  and  Eudaeus,  two  of  his 
treasorers  came  unto  him,  and  speaking  boldly  (but  out  of 
time)  presumed  to  tell  him  the  great  faulte  he  had  committed, 
and  dyd  counsell  him  also  what  he  should  doe.  The  King 
was  so  moved  with  their  presumption,  that  with  his  owne 
handes  he  stabbed  his  dagger  in  them  both,  and  slue  them 
outright.  But  after  this  facte,  all  his  servauntes  and  friendes 
refused  him,  and  there  only  taried  with  him  but  Evander 
Cretan,  Archedamus  JEtolian,  and  Neo  Boeotian.  And  as 
for  the  meane  souldiers,  there  were  none  that  followed  him 
but  the  Cretans,  and  yet  it  was  not  for  the  good  will  they 
dyd  beare  him,  but  for  the  love  of  his  golde  and  silver,  as 
bees  that  keepe  their  hives  for  love  of  the  hony.  For  he 

223 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


Perseus  fled 
from  Pydne 
to  Pella. 


Time,  and 
dutie,  to  be 
observed  to 
the  Prince. 


Death,  the 
indignation  of 
the  Prince. 


The  covetous- 
nes  of  the 
Cretans. 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


Misers  whine 
for  their 
gooddes. 


The  Macedo- 
nians submit 
them  selves 
to  iEmylius. 


Wonders. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

caried  with  him  a great  treasure,  and  gave  them  leave  to 
spoyle  certen  plate  and  vessell  of  golde  and  silver,  to  the 
value  of  fiftie  talents.  But  first  of  all,  when  he  was  come 
into  the  cittie  of  Amphipolis,  and  afterwards  into  the  cittie 
of  Alepse,  and  that  the  feare  was  well  blowen  over:  he 
returned  againe  to  his  olde  humour,  which  was  borne  and 
bred  with  him,  and  that  was,  avarice  and  miserie.  For  he 
made  his  complainte  unto  those  that  were  about  him,  that 
he  had  unwares  geven  to  the  souldiers  of  Creta,  his  plate 
and  vessell  of  gold  to  be  spoyled,  being  those  which  in  olde 
time  belonged  unto  Alexander  the  great : and  prayed  them 
with  teares  in  his  eyes  that  had  the  plate,  they  would  be 
contented  to  chaunge  it  for  ready  money.  Now  suche  as 
knewe  his  nature,  founde  streight  this  was  but  a fraude  and 
a Cretan  lye,  to  deceave  the  Cretans  with : but  those  that 
trusted  him,  and  dyd  restore  againe  the  plate  they  had,  dyd 
loose  it  every  jotte,  for  he  never  payed  them  pennie  of  it. 
So  he  got  of  his  friendes,  the  value  of  thirtie  talents  which 
his  enemies  sone  after  dyd  take  from  him.  And  with  that 
summe  he  went  into  the  He  of  Samothracia,  where  he  tooke 
the  sanctuarie  and  priviledge,  of  the  temple  of  Castor  and 
Pollux.  They  saye,  that  the  Macedonians  of  long  continu- 
aunce  dyd  naturally  love  their  Kings : but  then  seeing  all 
their  hope  and  expectation  broken,  their  hartes  failed  them, 
and  broke  withall.  For  they  all  came  and  submitted  them 
selves  unto  iEmylius,  and  made  him  lorde  of  the  whole 
Realme  of  Macedon  in  two  dayes : and  this  doth  seeme  to 
confirme  their  wordes,  who  impute  all  iEmilius  doings  unto 
his  good  fortune.  And  surely,  the  marvelous  fortune  he 
happened  on  in  the  cittie  of  Amphipolis,  doth  confirme  it 
muche,  which  a man  cannot  ascribe  otherwise,  but  to  the 
speciall  grace  of  the  godds.  For  one  daye  beginning  to  doe 
sacrifice,  lightning  fell  from  heaven,  and  set  all  the  wodde 
a fire  apon  the  aulter,  and  sanctified  the  sacrifice.  But 
yet  the  miracle  of  his  fame  is  more  to  be  wondred  at.  For 
foure  dayes  after  Perseus  had  lost  the  battell,  and  that  the 
cittie  of  Pella  was  taken,  as  the  people  of  Rome  were  at 
the  listes  or  showe  place,  seing  horses  ronne  for  games : 
sodainly  there  rose  a rumour  at  the  entring  into  the  listes 
224 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 

Newes 
brought  to 
Rome  out  of 
Macedon  in 
4 dayes,  of 
JEmylius  vic- 
torie  there  : 
and  no  man 
knewe  howe 
they  came. 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

where  the  games  were,  how  ^Emylius  had  wonne  a great 
battell  of  king  Perseus,  and  had  conquered  all  Macedon. 

This  newes  was  rife  straight  in  every  mans  mouthe,  and 
there  followed  upon  it  a marvelous  joye  and  great  cheere  in 
every  corner,  with  showtes  and  clapping  of  handes,  that  con- 
tinued all  the  daye  through  the  cittie  of  Rome.  After- 
wards they  made  diligent  enquierie,  how  this  rumour  first 
came  up,  but  no  certaine  authour  could  be  knowen,  and 
every  man  sayed  they  heard  it  spoken : so  as  in  the  ende  it 
came  to  nothing,  and  passed  awaye  in  that  sorte  for  a time. 

But  shortely  after,  there  came  letters,  and  certen  newes  that 
made  them  wonder  more  then  before,  from  whence  the 
messenger  came  that  reported  the  first  newes  of  it : which 
could  be  devised  by  no  naturall  meanes,  and  yet  proved  true 
afterwards.  We  doe  reade  also  of  a battell  that  was  fought 
in  Italie,  nere  unto  the  river  of  Sagra,  wherof  newes  was 
brought  the  very  same  daye  unto  Peloponnesus.  And  of  an- 
other also  in  like  manner  that  was  fought  in  Asia  against  the 
Medes,  before  the  cittie  of  Mycala : the  newes  whereof  came 
the  same  daye  unto  the  campe  of  the  Graecians,  lying  before 
the  cittie  of  Platoees.  And  in  that  great  jorney  where  the 
Romaines  overt hrewe  the  Tarquines,  and  the  armie  of  the 
Latines : immediatly  after  the  battell  was  wonne,  they  sawe 
two  goodly  young  men  come  newly  from  the  campe,  who 
brought  newes  of  the  victorie  to  Rome,  and  they  judged 
they  were  Castor  and  Pollux.  The  first  man  that  spake  to 
them  in  the  market  place  before  the  fountaine,  where  they 
watered  their  horse  being  all  of  a white  fome,  tolde  them : 
that  he  wondred  howe  they  could  so  quickly  bring  these 
newes.  And  they  laughing  came  to  him,  and  tooke  him 
softely  by  the  beard  with  both  their  handes,  and  even  in  the 
market  place  his  heare  being  blacke  before,  was  presently 
turned  yellowe.  This  miracle  made  them  beleeve  the  reporte 
the  man  made,  who  ever  after  was  called  iEnobarbus,  as  you  iEnobarbus 
would  saye,  bearded  as  yellowe  as  golde.  Another  like  w^y so  called, 
matter  that  happened  in  our  time,  maketh  all  suche  newes 
credible.  For  when  Antonius  rebelled  against  the  emperour 
Domitian,  the  cittie  of  Rome  was  in  a marvelous  perplexitie, 
bicause  they  looked  for  great  warres  towards  Germanie.  But 
2 : FF  225 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


Cn.  Octavius, 
iEmylius 
lieutenaunt 
by  sea. 


The  miserable 
state  Perseus 
was  brought 
unto,  by  the 
craft  and  sub- 
tletie  of  a 
Cretan. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

in  this  feare,  there  grewe  a sodaine  rumour  of  victorie,  and 
it  went  currantly  through  Rome,  that  Antonius  him  selfe 
was  slaine,  and  all  his  armie  overthrowen,  and  not  a man 
left  a live.  This  rumour  was  so  rife,  that  many  of  the 
chiefest  men  of  Rome  beleeved  it,  and  dyd  sacrifice  there- 
upon unto  the  goddes,  geving  them  thankes  for  the  victorie. 
But  when  the  matter  came  to  sifting,  who  was  the  first 
authour  of  the  rumour : no  man  could  tell.  For  one  put  it 
over  still  to  another,  and  dyed  so  in  the  ende  amongest  the 
people,  as  in  a bottomles  matter,  for  they  could  never  boult 
out  any  certen  grounde  of  it : but  even  as  it  came  flying 
into  Rome,  so  went  it  flying  awaye  againe,  no  man  can  tell 
howe.  Notwithstanding,  Domitian  holding  on  his  jorney  to 
make  this  warre,  met  with  postes  that  brought  him  letters 
for  the  certen  victorie : and  remembring  the  rumour  of  the 
victorie  that  ranne  before  in  Rome,  he  founde  it  true,  that  it 
was  on  the  very  same  daye  the  victorie  was  gotten,  and  the 
distaunce  betweene  Rome  and  the  place  where  the  field  was 
wonne,  was  above  twenty  thousand  furlonges  of.  Every  man 
in  our  time  knoweth  this  to  be  true.  But  againe  to  our 
historie.  Cn.  Octavius,  lieutenant  of  the  armie  of  ASmylius 
by  sea,  came  to  ancker  under  the  He  of  Samothracia,  where 
he  would  not  take  Perseus  by  force  out  of  the  sanctuarie 
where  he  was,  for  the  reverence  he  dyd  beare  unto  the 
goddes  Castor  and  Pollux : but  he  dyd  besiege  him  in  suche 
sorte,  as  he  could  not  scape  him,  nor  flye  by  sea  out  of  the 
Ilande.  Yet  he  had  secretly  practised  with  one  Oroandes  a 
Cretan,  that  had  a brigantine,  and  was  at  a prise  with  him 
for  a summe  of  money  to  convey  him  awaye  by  night : but 
the  Cretan  served  him  a right  Cretans  tricke.  For  when  he 
had  taken  a borde  by  night  into  his  vessell,  all  the  Kings 
treasure  of  golde  and  silver,  he  sent  him  worde  that  he 
should  not  faile  the  next  night  following  to  come  unto  the 
peere  by  the  temple  of  Ceres,  with  his  wife,  his  children  and 
servauntes,  where  in  deede  was  no  possibility  to  take  shipping  : 
but  the  next  night  following  he  hoysed  saile,  and  got  him 
awaye.  It  was  a pittiefull  thing  that  Perseus  was  driven  to 
doe  and  suffer  at  that  time.  For  he  came  downe  in  the  night 
by  ropes,  out  of  a litle  straight  windowe  upon  the  walles, 
226 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

and  not  only  him  self,  but  his  wife  and  litle  babes,  who 
never  knewe  before  what  flying  and  hardnes  ment.  And  yet 
he  fetched  a more  grievous  bitter  sighe,  when  one  tolde  him 
on  the  peere,  that  he  sawe  Oroandes  the  Cretan  under  saile 
in  the  mayne  seas.  Then  daye  beginning  to  breake,  and 
seeing  him  selfe  voyde  of  all  hope,  he  ranne  with  his  wife 
for  life  to  the  wall,  to  recover  the  sanctuarie  again,  before 
the  Romaines  that  sawe  him  could  overtake  him.  And  as 
for  his  children,  he  had  geven  them  him  selfe  into  the  hands 
of  one  Ion,  whom  before  he  had  marvelously  loved,  and  who 
then  dyd  traiterously  betraye  him  : for  he  delivered  his 
children  unto  the  Romaines.  Which  parte  was  one  of  the 
chiefest  causes  that  drave  him  (as  a beast  that  will  folio  we 
her  litle  ones  being  taken  from  her)  to  yeld  him  selfe  into 
their  hands  that  had  his  children.  Now  he  had  a speciall 
confidence  in  Scipio  Nasica,  and  therefore  he  asked  for  him 
when  he  came  to  yeld  him  selfe : but  it  was  aunswered  him, 
that  he  was  not  there.  Then  he  beganne  to  lament  his  hard 
and  miserable  fortune  every  waye.  And  in  the  ende,  con- 
sidering howe  necessitie  enforced  him,  he  yelded  him  selfe 
into  the  hands  of  Cneus  Octavius,  wherein  he  shewed  plainely, 
that  he  had  another  vice  in  him  more  unmanly  and  vile,  then 
avarice  : that  was,  a fainte  harte,  and  feare  to  dye.  But 
hereby  he  deprived  him  self  of  others  pittie  and  compassion 
towards  him,  being  that  only  thing  which  fortune  cannot 
denie  and  take  from  the  afflicted,  and  specially  from  them 
that  have  a noble  harte.  For  he  made  request  they  would 
bring  him  unto  the  generall  JEmylius,  who  rose  from  his 
chayer  when  he  sawe  him  come,  and  went  to  mete  him  with 
his  friends,  the  water  standing  in  his  eyes,  to  mete  a great 
King,  by  fortune  of  warre,  and  by  the  will  of  the  goddes, 
fallen  into  that  most  lamentable  facte.  But  he  to  the 
contrarie,  unmanly,  and  shamefully  behaved  him  selfe.  For 
he  fell  downe  at  his  feete,  and  embraced  his  knees,  and  uttered 
suche  uncomely  speache  and  vile  requestes,  as  iEmylius  selfe 
could  not  abide  to  heare  them : but  knitting  his  browes 
against  him,  being  hartely  offended,  he  spake  thus  unto  him  : 
4 Alas  poore  man,  why  doest  thou  discharge  fortune  of  this 
4 faulte,  where  thou  mightest  justly  charge  and  accuse  her  to 

227 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


King  Perseus 
yeldeth  him 
self  in  Samo- 
thracia,  unto 
Cneus  Oc- 
tavius. 


Perseus  un- 
princely  be- 
haviour unto 
iEmylius. 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 

iEmylius 
oration  unto 
Perseus 
prisoner. 


iEmylius  ora- 
tion touching 
fortune  and 
her  uncon- 
stancie. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

4 thy  discharge,  doing  things,  for  the  which  every  one  judgeth 
4 thou  hast  deserved  thy  present  miserie,  and  art  unworthie 
4 also  of  thy  former  honour  ? why  dost  thou  defame  my 
4 victorie,  and  blemish  the  glory  of  my  doings,  shewing  thy 
4 self  so  base  a man,  as  my  honour  is  not  great,  to  overcome 
4 so  unworthie  an  enemie?  The  Romaines  have  ever  esteemed 
4 magnanimitie,  even  in  their  greatest  enemies  : but  dastard- 
4 lines,  though  it  be  fortunate,  yet  is  it  hated  of  every  bodie.’ 
Notwithstanding,  he  tooke  him  up,  and  taking  him  by  the 
hande,  gave  him  into  the  custodie  of  iElius  Tubero.  Then 
iEmylius  went  into  his  tent,  and  caried  his  sonnes,  and 
sonnes  in  law  with  him,  and  other  men  of  qualitie,  and 
specially  the  younger  sorte.  And  being  set  downe,  he  con- 
tinued a great  space  very  pensive  with  him  self,  not  speak- 
ing a word : in  so  much  as  all  the  standers  by,  wondered 
much  at  the  matter.  In  the  ende,  he  beganne  to  enter  into 
discourse  and  talke  of  fortune,  and  the  unconstancy  of  these 
worldly  things,  and  sayed  unto  them : 4 Is  there  any  man 
4 living,  my  friends,  who  having  fortune  at  will,  should  there- 
4 fore  boast  and  glorie  in  the  prosperitie  of  his  doings,  for 
4 that  he  hath  conquered  a contrie,  cittie,  or  Realme : and 
4 not  rather  to  feare  the  unconstancie  of  fortune  ? who  laying 
4 before  our  eyes,  and  all  those  that  professe  armes  at  this 
4 present,  so  notable  an  example  of  the  common  frayeltie  of 
4 men,  doth  plainely  teache  us  to  thincke,  that  there  is  nothing 
4 constant  or  perdurable  in  this  world.  For  when  is  it,  that 
4 men  maye  thinke  them  selves  assured,  considering  that  when 
4 they  have  overcome  others,  then  are  they  driven  to  mistrust 
4 fortune  most,  and  to  mingle  feare  and  mistrust,  with  joye  of 
4 victorie : if  they  will  wisely  consider  the  common  course  of 
4 fatall  destenie  that  altereth  day  lie,  somtime  favoring  one, 
4 other  while  throwing  down  another  ? you  see,  that  in  an 
4 howers  space  we  have  troden  under  our  feete,  the  house  of 
4 Alexander  the  great : who  hath  bene  the  mightiest  and  most 
4 redouted  prince  of  the  world.  You  see  a King,  that  not 
4 long  since  was  folowed  and  accompanied,  with  many  thousand 
4 souldiers  of  horsemen  and  footemen  : brought  at  this  present 
4 into  such  miserable  extremitie,  that  he  is  inforced  to  receive 
4 his  meate  and  drinke  daylie  at  the  hands  of  his  enemies. 

228 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

4 Should  we  have  any  better  hope  then,  that  fortune  will 
‘ all  way  es  favour  our  doings,  more  then  she  doth  his  now,  at 
4 this  present  ? no  out  of  doubt.  Therefore  digesting  this 
4 matter  well,  you  young  men  I saye,  be  not  to  bragge  nor 
4 foolish  prowde,  of  this  conquest  and  noble  victorie : but 
4 thinke  what  maye  happen  hereafter,  marking  to  what  end 
4 fortune  will  turne  the  envie  of  this  our  present  prosperities 
Such  were  iEmylius  words  to  these  young  men,  as  it  is  reported, 
bridling  by  these  and  such  like  persuasions,  the  lusty  bravery  of 
this  youth,  even  as  with  the  bit  and  bridle  of  reason.  After- 
wardes  he  put  his  armie  into  garrisons  to  refreshe  them  : and 
went  him  selfe  in  persone  in  the  meane  time  to  visite  Graece, 
making  it  an  honorable  progresse,  and  also  a commendable. 
For  as  he  passed  through  their  citties,  he  releved  the  people, 
reformed  the  government  of  their  state,  and  ever  gave  them 
some  gifte  or  present.  Unto  some  he  gave  corne,  which  king 
Perseus  had  gathered  for  the  warres : and  unto  other  he 
gave  oyles,  meeting  with  so  great  store  of  provision,  that  he 
rather  lacked  people  to  geve  it  unto,  to  receyve  it  at  his 
handes,  then  wanting  to  geve,  there  was  so  much.  As  he 
passed  by  the  cittie  of  Delphes,  he  sawe  there  a great  piller, 
foure  square,  of  white  stone,  which  they  had  set  up,  to  put 
king  Perseus  image  of  gold  upon  it.  Whereupon  he  com- 
maunded  them  to  set  up  his  in  that  place,  saying:  it  was 
reason  the  conquered  should  geve  place  unto  the  conquerours. 
And  being  in  the  cittie  of  Olympia,  visiting  the  temple  of 
Iupiter  Olympian,  he  spake  this  openly,  which  ever  since 
hath  bene  remembred : that  Phidias  had  rightly  made 
Iupiter,  as  Homer  had  described  him.  Afterwardes  when 
the  tenne  ambassadours  were  arrived  that  were  sent  from 
Rome  to  establish  with  him  the  realme  of  Maced  on,  he 
redelivered  the  Macedonians  their  countrie  and  townes 
againe,  to  live  at  libertie,  according  to  their  lawes,  paying 
yerely  to  the  Romaines  for  tribute,  a hundred  talents : 
where  before  they  were  wont  to  paye  unto  their  Kings  tenne 
times  as  muche.  And  he  made  playes  and  games  of  all 
sortes,  and  dyd  celebrate  sumptuous  sacrifices  unto  the 
goddes.  He  kept  open  courte  to  all  commers,  and  made 
noble  feastes,  and  defrayed  the  whole  charge  thereof,  with 

229 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


iEmylius 
honorable 
progresse 
in  Graece. 


iEmylius 
setteth  Mace- 
don  at  a staye. 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


iEmylius 
wordes  about 
the  care  and 
good  order 
at  feasts. 


iEmylius 

abstinence. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

the  treasure  Perseus  had  gathered  together,  sparing  for  no 
coste.  But  through  his  care  and  foresight  there  was  suche  a 
speciall  good  order  taken,  every  man  so  curteously  receyved 
and  welcommed,  and  so  orderly  marshalled  at  the  table 
according  to  their  estate  and  calling : that  the  Graecians 
wondred  to  see  him  so  carefull  in  matters  of  sporte  and 
pleasure : and  that  he  tooke  as  great  paynes  in  his  owne 
persone,  to  see  that  small  matters  should  be  ordered  as  they 
ought : as  he  tooke  great  regard  for  discharge  of  more 
weighty  causes.  But  this  was  a marvelous  pleasure  to  him, 
to  see  that  among  such  sumptuous  sightes  prepared  to  shewe 
pleasure  to  the  persones  invited,  no  sight  or  stately  shewe 
dyd  so  delight  them,  as  to  enjoye  the  sight  and  company  of 
his  persone.  So  he  told  them,  that  seemed  to  wonder  at  his 
diligence  and  care  in  these  matters : that  to  order  a feast 
well,  required  as  great  judgement  and  discretion,  as  to  set  a 
battell : to  make  the  one  fearefull  to  the  enemies,  and  the 
other  acceptable  to  his  friendes.  But  men  esteemed  his 
bountie  and  magnanimitie  for  his  best  vertue  and  qualitie. 
For  he  dyd  not  only  refuse  to  see  the  Kings  wonderful 
treasure  of  golde  and  silver,  but  caused  it  to  be  told,  and 
delivered  to  the  custodie  of  the  treasurers,  to  carie  to  the 
coffers  of  store  in  Rome : and  only  suffered  his  sonnes  that 
were  learned,  to  take  the  bookes  of  the  Kings  librarie. 
When  he  dyd  rewarde  the  souldiers  for  their  valliant  service 
in  this  battell,  he  gave  his  sonne  in  lawe  iEmylius  Tubero  a 
cuppe,  weying  five  talents.  It  is  the  same  Tubero  we  tolde 
you  of  before,  who  lived  with  sixteene  other  of  his  kynne  all 
in  one  house,  and  of  the  only  revenue  they  had  of  a litle 
farme  in  the  countrie.  Some  saye,  that  cuppe  was  the  first 
pece  of  plate  that  ever  came  into  the  house  of  the  iElians, 
and  yet  it  came  for  honour  and  reward  of  vertue  : but  before 
that  time,  neither  them  selves,  nor  their  wives,  would  ever 
have,  or  weare,  any  gold  or  silver.  After  he  had  very  well 
ordered  and  disposed  all  things,  at  the  last  he  tooke  leave  of 
the  Graecians,  and  counselled  the  Macedonians  to  remember 
the  libertie  the  Romaines  had  geven  them,  and  that  they 
should  be  carefull  to  keepe  it,  by  their  good  government  and 
concorde  together.  Then  he  departed  from  them,  and  tooke 
230 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

his  jorney  towardes  the  countrie  of  Epirus,  having  receyved  PAULUS 

commission  from  the  Senate  of  Rome,  to  suffer  his  souldiers  iEMILIUS 

who  had  done  service  in  the  battell,  and  overthrowe  of  king 

Perseus,  to  spoyle  all  the  citties  of  that  countrie.  Wherefore 

that  he  might  surprise  them  on  a sodaine,  and  that  they 

should  mistrust  nothing,  he  sent  to  all  the  citties  that  they 

should  send  him  by  a certaine  daye,  tenne  of  the  chiefest 

men  of  every  cittie.  Who  when  they  were  come,  he  com- 

maunded  them  to  goe  and  bring  him  by  suche  a daye,  all 

the  golde  and  silver  they  had  within  their  citties,  aswell  in 

their  private  houses,  as  in  their  temples  and  churches,  and 

gave  unto  everie  one  of  them  a captaine  and  garrison  with 

them,  as  if  it  had  bene  only  to  have  receaved  and  searched 

for  the  gold  and  silver  he  demaunded.  But  when  the  daye 

appointed  was  come,  the  souldiers  in  divers  places  (and  all  at 

one  time)  set  upon  their  enemies,  and  dyd  rifle  and  spoyle  iEmylius 

them  of  that  they  had,  and  made  them  also  paye  ransome  cruell  acte 

every  man : So  as  by  this  policie,  there  were  taken  and  sp°ylmg  of 

made  slaves  in  one  daye,  a hundred  and  fiftie  thousand  p 

persones,  and  three  score  and  tenne  citties  spoyled  and  sacked 

every  one.  And  yet  when  they  came  to  devide  the  spoyle  of 

this  generall  destruction  of  a whole  Realme  by  the  polle, 

it  came  not  to  every  souldiers  parte,  above  eleven  silver 

Drachmes  a pece.  Which  made  every  one  to  wonder  greatly, 

and  to  feare  also  the  terrour  of  the  warres,  to  see  the 

wealthe  and  riches  of  so  great  a Realme,  to  amowunte  to  so 

litle  for  every  mans  share.  When  iEmylius  had  done  this 

facte  against  his  owne  nature,  which  was  very  gentle  and 

curteous : he  went  unto  the  sea  syde  to  the  citty  of  Orica,  iEmylius 

and  there  imbarked  with  his  armie  bownde  for  Italie.  tooke  shippe 

Where  when  he  was  arrived,  he  went  up  the  river  of  Tyber  QreicCattie 

against  the  streame,  in  king  Perseus  chief  galley,  which  had  an(j  returned 

sixteene  owers  on  a side,  richely  set  out  with  the  armour  of  into  Italie. 

the  prisoners,  riche  clothes  of  purple  culler,  and  other  suche 

spoyles  of  the  enemies : so  that  the  Romaines  ronning  out  of 

Rome  in  multitudes  of  people  to  see  this  galley,  and  going 

side  by  side  by  her  as  they  rowed  softely,  iEmylius  tooke  as 

great  pleasure  in  it,  as  in  any  open  games  or  feastes,  or 

triumphe  that  had  bene  shewed  in  deede.  But  when  the 

231 


PAULUS 

jEMILIUS 


The  envie 
of  Servius 
Galba  unto 
iEmylius. 


Contention 

about 

iEmylius 

triumphe. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

souldiers  sawe,  that  the  golde  and  silver  of  king  Perseus 
treasure  was  not  devided  amongest  them  according  unto 
promise,  and  that  they  had  a great  deale  lesse  then  they 
looked  for,  they  were  marvelously  offended,  and  inwardly 
grudged  iEmylius  in  their  hartes.  Nevertheles  they  durst 
not  speake  it  openly,  but  dyd  accuse  him,  that  he  had  bene 
to  straight  unto  them  in  this  warre,  and  therefore  they  dyd 
shewe  no  great  desire,  nor  forwardnes,  to  procure  him  the 
honour  of  triumphe.  Which  Servius  Galba  understanding, 
that  had  bene  an  olde  enemie  of  his,  notwithstanding  he 
had  the  charge  of  a thousand  men  under  him  in  this  warre  : 
he  like  an  envious  viper  tolde  the  people,  howe  iEmylius  had 
not  deserved  the  honour  of  triumphe,  and  sowed  seditious 
wordes  against  him  among  the  souldiers,  to  aggravate  their 
ill  will  the  more  against  him.  Moreover,  he  craved  a daye 
of  the  Tribunes  of  the  people,  to  have  respit  to  bring  forth 
suche  matter  as  they  determined  to  object  against  him : 
saying  the  time  then  was  farre  spent,  the  sunne  being 
but  foure  howers  highe,  and  that  it  would  require  lenger 
time  and  leysure.  The  Tribunes  made  him  aunswer,  that 
he  should  speake  then  what  he  had  to  saye  against  him,  or 
otherwise  they  would  not  graunte  him  audience.  Hereupon 
he  beganne  to  make  a long  oration  in  his  dispraise,  full 
of  railing  wordes,  and  spent  all  the  rest  of  the  daye  in 
that  rayling  oration.  Afterwardes  when  night  came  on,  the 
Tribunes  brake  up  the  assembly,  and  the  next  morning  the 
souldiers  being  incoraged  by  Galbaes  oration,  and  having 
confedered  together,  dyd  flocke  about  Galba,  in  the  mount 
of  the  Capitoll,  where  the  Tribunes  had  geven  warning  they 
would  keepe  their  assembly.  Now  being  broade  daye, 
iEmylius  triumphe  was  referred  to  the  most  number  of 
voyces  of  the  people,  and  the  first  tribe  flattly  dyd  denie  his 
triumphe.  The  Senate,  and  the  residue  of  the  people  hear- 
ing that,  were  very  sorie  to  see  they  dyd  iEmylius  so  open 
wrong  and  injurie.  The  common  people  sayed  nothing  to 
it,  but  seemed  to  be  very  sorie,  howbeit  they  sought  no 
redresse.  The  lordes  of  the  Senate  cried  out  apon  them, 
and  sayd  it  was  to  much  shame,  and  exhorted  one  another 
to  bridell  the  insolencie  and  boldnes  of  these  souldiers,  who 
232 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

would  growe  in  the  ende  to  such  tumulte  and  disorder,  PAULUS 

that  they  would  commit  all  mischief  and  wickednes,  if  be-  -®MILIUS 

times  they  were  not  looked  to,  and  prevented,  seeing  they 

dyd  so  openly  stand  against  their  generall,  seeking  to  deprive 

him  of  the  honour  of  his  triumphe  and  victorie.  So  they 

assembled  a good  company  of  them  together,  and  went  up 

to  the  Capitoll,  and  prayed  the  Tribunes  they  would  staye 

to  take  the  voyces  of  the  people,  untill  they  had  acquainted 

them  with  such  needefull  matter,  as  they  had  to  open  unto 

them.  The  Tribunes  graunted  to  it,  and  silence  was  made. 

Then  Marcus  Servilius,  who  had  bene  Consul,  and  had  fought  Servilius 
three  and  twenty  combats  of  life  and  death  in  his  owne  oration  for 
persone,  and  had  allwayes  slaine  as  many  of  his  enemies  as  aunce^f^ 
chalenged  him  man  for  man  : rose  up,  and  spake  in  favour  ^Emyiius 
of  JEmylius  in  this  manner : 4 1 knowe  now  (sayed  he)  better  triumphe. 

4 then  before,  how  noble  and  worthie  a captaine  Paulus 
4 iEmylius  is,  who  hath  atchieved  such  glorie  and  honorable 
4 victorie,  with  so  dishonorable  and  disobedient  souldiers. 

4 And  I can  but  wonder,  that  the  people  not  long  since 
4 rejoy ced,  and  made  great  accompt,  of  the  victories  and 
4 triumphes  wonne  apon  the  Illyrians  and  other  nations  of 
4 Africke : and  that  now  they  should  for  spite  envie  his  glorie 
4 (doing  what  lyeth  in  them  to  hinder)  to  bring  a Macedonian 
4 king  alive  in  a triumphe,  and  to  shewe  the  glorie  and  great- 
4 nes  of  king  Philip  and  Alexander  the  great,  subdued  by  the 
4 Romaines  force  and  power.  What  reason  have  ye,  that  not 
4 long  since,  apon  a flying  rumour  that  JEmylius  had  wonne 
4 the  battell  against  Perseus,  you  straight  made  sacrifices  to 
4 the  goddes  with  great  joy e,  praying  them  that  you  might  be 
4 witnesses  of  the  trothe  thereof : and  now  that  the  persone 
4 him  selfe  whom  you  made  generall  is  returned  home,  and 
4 doth  deliver  you  most  assured  victorie,  you  doe  frustrate  the 
4 goddes  most  solemne  thankes  and  honour  due  to  them,  and 
4 doe  deprive  your  selves  also  of  your  wonted  glorie  in  such  a 
4 case  ? as  if  you  were  afeard  to  see  the  greatnes  of  your  pro- 
4 speritie,  or  that  you  ment  to  pardone  a King,  your  slave  and 
4 prisoner.  And  yet  of  the  two,  you  have  more  reason  to 
4 hinder  the  triumphe,  as  pittying  the  King : then  envying 
4 your  captaine.  But  the  malice  of  the  wicked,  through  your 
2 : GG  233 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


A notable 
description 
of  iEmylius 
triumphe. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

4 pacience  is  growen  to  suche  an  insolent  audacitie  and  boldnes, 
4 that  we  see  men  present  here  before  us,  which  never  went  from 
4 the  smoke  of  the  chimney,  nor  caried  away  any  blowes  in  the 
4 field,  being  crammed  at  home  like  women  and  housedowes : 
4 and  yet  they  are  so  impudent  and  shameles,  as  they  dare 
4 presume  unreverently  to  your  faces,  to  prate  of  the  office  and 
4 duety  of  a generall  of  an  armie,  and  of  the  desert  of  triumphe, 
4 before  you  I saye,  who  by  experience  of  many  a sore  cut  and 
4 wounde  apon  your  bodies  in  the  warres,  have  learned  to 
4 knowe  a good  and  valliant  captaine,  from  a vile  and  cowardly 
4 persone.’  And  speaking  these  wordes,  he  cast  open  his  gowne, 
and  shewed  before  them  all,  the  infinite  scarres  and  cuttes  he 
had  receyved  upon  his  brest : and  then  turning  him  behinde, 
shewed  all  suche  places  as  were  not  fitte  to  be  seene  openly, 
and  so  turned  him  againe  to  Galba,  and  sayed  unto  him : 
4 Thou  mockest  me  for  that  I shewe  thee  : but  I rejoy ce  before 
4 my  countrie  men  and  cittizens  : that  for  serving  my  contrie 
4 night  and  daye  a horse  backe,  I have  these  wounds  apon  me 
4 which  thou  seest.  Now  get  thee  about  thy  busines,  and  re- 
4 ceive  their  voyces:  and  I wil  come  after,  noting  them  that  are 
4 naughtie  and  unthankfull  cittizens,  who  like  to  be  soothed 
4 with  flatterie,  and  not  stowtely  commaunded,  as  behoveth  a 
4 generall  in  the  warre.’  These  wordes  so  reined  the  harde 
headed  souldiers  with  the  curbe  of  reason,  that  all  the  other 
tribes  agreed  in  one,  and  graunted  JEmylius  triumphe : the 
order  and  solemnitie  whereof  was  performed  in  this  sorte. 
First,  the  people  having  set  up  sundrie  scaffoldes  aswel  in  the 
listes  and  field  (called  Circos  by  the  Latines)  where  the  games 
and  common  running  of  horses  and  charrets  are  made,  as  also 
about  the  market  place,  and  in  other  streetes  of  the  cittie, 
through  the  which,  the  shewe  of  the  triumphe  should  passe  : 
they  all  presented  them  selves  in  their  best  gownes  to  see 
the  magnificence  and  state  thereof.  All  the  temples  of  the 
goddes  also  were  set  wide  open,  hanged  full  of  garlands  of 
flowers,  and  all  perfumed  within  : and  there  were  set  through 
all  the  quarters  of  the  cittie,  numbers  of  sergeaunts  and  other 
officers  holding  tipstaves  in  their  hands,  to  order  the  stragling 
people,  and  to  keepe  them  up  in  corners  and  lanes  endes,  that 
they  should  not  pester  the  streetes,  and  hinder  the  triumphe. 
234 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


Furthermore,  the  sight  of  this  triumphe  was  to  continue 
three  dayes,  whereof  the  first  was  scant  sufficient  to  see  the 
passing  by  of  the  images,  tables,  and  pictures,  and  statues  of 
wonderfull  bignes,  all  wonne  and  gotten  of  their  enemies, 
and  drawen  in  the  showe,  upon  two  hundred  and  fiftie 
charrets.  The  second  daye,  there  were  caried  upon  a number 
of  cartes,  all  the  fairest  and  richest  armour  of  the  Mace- 
donians, aswell  of  copper,  as  also  of  iron  and  steele,  all  glis- 
tering bright,  being  newly  furbished,  and  arteficially  layed 
in  order  (and  yet  in  such  sorte,  as  if  they  had  bene  cast  in 
heapes  one  upon  another,  without  taking  any  care  otherwise 
for  the  ordering  and  laying  of  them)  fayer  burganets  upon  tar- 
gets : habergions,  or  brigantines  and  corselets,  upon  greaves  : 
rounde  targets  of  the  Cretans,  and  javelings  of  the  Thracians, 
and  arrowes  amongest  the  armed  pykes : all  this  armour  and 
cariage,  being  bound  one  to  another  so  trimly  (neither  being 
to  lose,  nor  to  straight)  that  one  hitting  against  another,  as 
they  drue  them  upon  the  cartes  through  the  cittie,  they  made 
suche  a sound  and  noyse,  as  it  was  fearefull  to  heare  it : so 
that  the  only  sight  of  these  spoyles  of  the  captives  being 
overcome,  made  the  sight  so  muche  more  terrible  to  behold  it. 
After  these  cartes  loden  with  armour,  there  followed  three 
thousand  men,  which  caried  the  ready  money  in  seven  hundred 
and  fiftie  vessels,  which  wayed  about  three  talents  a pece,  and 
every  one  of  them  were  caried  by  foure  men : and  there  were 
other  that  caried  great  bowles  of  silver,  cuppes  and  goblets 
facioned  like  homes,  and  other  pottes  to  drinke  in,  goodly  to 
behold,  aswel  for  their  bignes,  as  for  their  great  and  singu- 
lar imbossed  workes  about  it.  The  third  day  early  in  the 
morning,  the  trumpets  beganne  to  sound  and  set  forwardes, 
sounding  no  marche  nor  swete  note,  to  beawtifie  triumphe 
withall : but  they  blewe  out  the  brave  alarom  they  sounde  at 
an  assault,  to  geve  the  souldiers  corage  for  to  fight.  After 
them  followed  sixe  score  goodly  fat  oxen,  having  all  their 
homes  gylte,  and  garlands  of  flowers  and  nosegayes  about 
their  heads,  and  there  went  by  them  certaine  yong  men,  with 
aprons  of  nedle  worke,  girt  about  their  mi  die,  who  led  them 
to  the  sacrifice,  and  young  boyes  with  them  also,  that  caried 
goodly  basons  of  gold  and  silver,  to  cast  and  sprinkle  the 

235 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

PAULUS  bloud  of  the  sacrifices  about.  And  after  these,  followed  those 
A5MILIUS  that  caried  all  coynes  of  gold  devided  by  basons  and  vessels, 
and  every  one  of  them  waying  three  talents  as  they  dyd 
before,  that  caried  the  great  holy  cuppe,  which  iEmylius  had 
caused  to  be  made  of  massi  gold,  set  full  of  precious  stones, 
waying  the  weight  of  tenne  talents,  to  make  an  offering  unto 
the  godds.  And  next  unto  them  went  other  that  caried 
plate,  made  and  wrought  after  antike  facion,  and  notable 
cuppes  of  the  auncient  kings  of  Macedon : as  the  cuppe  called 
Antigonus,  and  another  Seleucus : and  to  be  shorte,  all  the 
whole  cubberd  of  plate  of  gold  and  silver  of  king  Perseus. 
And  next  them  came  the  charret  of  his  armour,  in  the  which 
was  all  king  Perseus  harnesse,  and  his  royall  bande  (they  call 
a Diademe)  upon  his  armour.  And  a litle  space  betweene 
Perseus  chil-  them,  followed  next  the  Kings  children,  whom  they  led  pri- 
dren.  soners,  with  the  traine  of  their  schoolemasters  and  other  officers, 

and  their  servaunts,  weeping  and  lamenting:  who  held  up 
their  hands  unto  the  people  that  looked  apon  them,  and 
taught  the  Kings  young  children  to  doe  the  like,  to  aske 
mercie  and  grace  at  the  peoples  hands.  There  were  three 
prety  litle  children,  two  sonnes  and  a daughter  amongest 
them,  whose  tender  yeres  and  lacke  of  understanding,  made 
them  (poore  soules)  they  could  not  feele  their  present  miserie, 
which  made  the  people  so  muche  more  to  pittie  them,  when 
they  saw  the  poore  litle  infants,  that  they  knew  not  the 
chaunge  of  their  hard  fortune : so  that  for  the  compassion 
they  had  of  them,  they  almost  let  the  father  passe  without 
looking  upon  him.  Many  peoples  harts  did  melt  for  very 
pittie,  that  the  teares  ranne  downe  their  cheekes,  so  as  this 
sight  brought  both  pleasure  and  sorow,  together  to  the 
lookers  on,  untill  they  were  past  and  gone  a good  way  out  of 
King  Perseus,  sight.  King  Perseus  the  father,  followed  after  his  children 
and  their  traine,  and  he  was  clothed  in  a blacke  gowne,  wear- 
ing a payer  of  slippers  on  his  feete  after  his  contrie  manner. 
He  shewed  by  his  countenance  his  troubled  minde,  opprest 
with  sorow  of  his  most  miserable  state  and  fortune.  He  was 
followed  with  his  kinsefolks,  his  familliar  trends,  his  officers 
and  household  servants,  their  faces  disfigured  by  blubbering, 
shewing  to  the  world  by  their  lamenting  teares,  and  sorow- 

236 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

full  eyes  cast  apon  their  unfortunate  master,  how  much  they 
sorowed  and  bewailed  his  most  hard  and  cursed  fortune,  litle 
accompting  of  their  own  miserie.  The  voice  goeth,  that 
Perseus  sent  unto  iEmylius  to  intreate  him,  that  he  should 
not  be  led  through  the  cittie  in  the  showe  and  sight  of  the 
triumphe.  But  ^Emylius  mocking  (as  he  deserved)  his 
cowardly  faint  hart,  aunswered : as  for  that,  it  was  before, 
and  is  now  in  him,  to  doe  if  he  wil.  Meaning  to  let  him 
understand  thereby,  that  he  might  rather  chuse  to  dye,  then 
living  to  receive  such  open  shame.  Howbeit  his  hart  would 
not  serve  him,  he  was  so  cowardly,  and  made  so  effeminate, 
by  a certen  vaine  hope  he  knew  not  what,  that  he  was  con- 
tented to  make  one  among  his  own  spoiles.  After  all  this, 
there  followed  400  princely  crownes  of  golde,  which  the 
citties  and  townes  of  Graece  had  purposly  sent  by  their  am- 
bassadours  unto  iEmylius,  to  honour  his  victorie : and  next 
unto  them,  he  came  him  selfe  in  his  charret  triumphing, 
which  was  passing  sumptuously  set  forth  and  adorned.  It 
was  a noble  sight  to  behold : and  yet  the  person  of  him  self 
only  was  worth  the  looking  on,  without  all  that  great  pompe 
and  magnificence.  For  he  was  apparelled  in  a purple 
gowne  branched  with  gold,  and  caried  in  his  right  hand  a 
lawrell  boughe,  as  all  his  armie  did  besids  : the  which  being 
devided  by  bands  and  companies,  followed  the  triumphing 
charret  of  their  captaine,  some  of  the  souldiers,  singing 
songes  of  victorie,  which  the  Romaines  use  to  singe  in 
like  triumphes,  mingling  them  with  mery  pleasant  toyes, 
rejoy cing  at  their  captaine.  Other  of  them  also  dyd  singe 
songs  of  triumphe,  in  the  honour  and  praise  of  dEmylius 
noble  conquest  and  victorie.  He  was  openly  praised,  blessed, 
and  honored  of  every  body,  and  neither  hated  nor  envied 
of  honest  men.  Saving  the  ordinary  use  of  some  god, 
whose  propertie  is  allwayes  to  lessen  or  cut  of  some  part 
of  mans  exceding  prosperitie  and  felicitie,  mingling  with 
mans  life  the  sence  and  feeling  of  good  and  evill  together : 
bicause  that  no  living  persone  should  passe  all  his  time  of 
life,  without  some  adversitie  or  misfortune,  but  that  such 
(as  Homer  sayeth)  should  only  thinke  them  selves  happie, 
to  whom  fortune  hath  equally  sorted  the  good  with  the  evill. 

237 


PAULUS 

jEMILIUS 


iEmylius 
scorneth  Per- 
seus cowardli- 
nes. 


Foure  hun- 
dred crownes 
of  gold 
sent  unto 
iEmylius  by 
the  citties 
of  Graece. 


iEmylius 

adversitie. 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


iEmylius  for- 
titude in  his 
great  adver- 
sitie. 


iEmylius 
oration  in  his 
trouble,  for 
the  death  of 
his  children. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

And  this  I speake,  bicause  iEmylius  had  4 sonnes,  two  of 
the  which  he  gave  in  adoption  unto  the  families  of  Scipio  and 
of  Fabius,  as  we  have  sayed  before  : and  two  other  which  he 
had  by  his  second  wife,  he  brought  up  with  him  in  his  owne 
house,  and  were  both  yet  very  young.  Of  the  which  the  one 
dyed,  being  14  yeres  of  age  five  dayes  before  his  fathers 
triumphe  : and  the  other  dyed  also,  3 dayes  after  the  pompe 
of  triumphe,  at  12  yeres  of  age.  When  this  sorowfull 
chaunce  had  befallen  him,  every  one  in  Rome  did  pittie 
him  in  their  hartes : but  fortunes  spite  and  crueltie  did 
more  greve  and  feare  them,  to  see  her  litle  regard  towards 
him,  to  put  into  a house  of  triumphe  (full  of  honour  and 
glorie,  and  of  sacrifices  and  joye)  such  a pittiefull  mourning, 
and  mingling  of  sorowes  and  lamentations  of  death,  amongest 
such  songs  of  triumple  and  victorie.  Notwithstanding  this, 
iEmylius  taking  things  like  a wise  man,  thought  that  he 
was  not  only  to  use  constancie  and  magnanimitie,  against 
the  sword  and  pike  of  the  enemie : but  a like  also  against 
all  adversitie  and  enmitie  of  spiteful  fortune.  So,  he 
wisely  wayed  and  considered  his  present  misfortune,  with 
his  former  prosperitie : and  finding  his  misfortune  conter- 
peased  with  felicitie,  and  his  private  grieves  cut  of  with 
common  joye,  he  gave  no  place  to  his  sorowes  and  mis- 
chances, neither  blemished  any  way  the  dignity  of  his 
triumphe  and  victorie.  For  when  he  had  buried  the 
eldest  of  his  two  last  sonnes,  he  left  not  to  make  his 
triumphant  entrie,  as  you  have  heard  before.  And  his 
second  sonne  also  being  deceased  after  his  triumphe,  he 
caused  the  people  to  assemble,  and  in  face  of  the  whole 
cittie  he  made  an  oration,  not  like  a discomforted  man,  but 
like  one  rather  that  dyd  comforte  his  sorowfull  contrymen 
for  his  mischance.  4 He  told  them,  that  concerning  mens 
4 matters,  never  any  thing  dyd  feare  him : but  for  things 
4 above,  he  ever  feared  fortune,  mistrusting  her  chaunge 
4 and  inconstancy,  and  specially  in  the  last  warre,  doubting 
4 for  so  great  prosperitie  as  could  be  wished,  to  be  payed 
4 home  with  an  after  intolerable  adversitie,  and  sinister 
4 chaunce.  For  as  I went  (sayed  he)  I passed  over  the  gulfe 
4 of  the  Adriatike  sea,  from  Brindes  unto  Corfu  in  one  daye. 
238 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

4 And  from  thence  in  five  dayes  after,  I arrived  in  the  cittie 
4 of  Delphes,  where  I dyd  sacrifice  unto  Apollo.  And 
4 within  five  other  dayes,  I arrived  in  my  campe,  where  I 
4 found  mine  armie  in  Macedon.  And  after  I had  done 
4 the  sacrifice,  and  due  ceremonies  for  purifying  of  the  same, 
4 I presently  beganne  to  followe  the  purpose  and  cause  of  my 
4 comming:  so  as  in  15  dayes  after,  I made  an  honorable  ende 
4 of  all  those  warres.  But  yet,  mistrusting  fortune  allwayes, 
4 seing  the  prosperous  course  of  my  affaires,  and  considering 
4 that  there  were  no  other  enemies,  nor  daungers  I neded  to 
4 feare  : I feared  sorely  she  would  chaunge  at  my  returne, 
4 when  I should  be  upon  the  sea,  bringing  home  so  goodly 
4 and  victorious  an  armie,  with  so  many  spoiles  and  so  many 
4 Princes  and  Kings  taken  prisoners.  And  yet  when  I 
4 was  safely  arrived  in  the  haven,  and  seing  all  the  cittie 
4 at  my  returne  full  of  joye,  and  of  feastes  and  sacrifices  : I 
4 still  suspected  fortune,  knowing  her  manner  well  enough, 
4 that  she  useth  not  to  gratifie  men  so  franckly,  nor  to 
4 graunt  them  so  great  things  clearly,  without  some  certen 
4 sparke  of  envie  waiting  on  them.  Neither  dyd  my  minde 
4 being  still  occupied  in  feare  of  some  thing  to  happen  to 
4 the  common  wealth,  shake  of  this  feare  behind  me : but 
4 that  I sawe,  this  home  mishappe  and  miserie  lighted  upon 
4 me,  enforcing  me  with  mine  owne  hands  in  these  holy  dayes 
4 of  my  triumphe,  to  burie  my  two  young  sonnes  one  after 
4 another,  which  I only  brought  up  with  me,  for  the  succes- 
4 sion  of  my  name  and  house.  Wherefore,  me  thinkes  now 
4 I may  saye,  I am  out  of  all  daunger,  at  the  least  touching 
4 my  chiefest  and  greatest  misfortune : and  doe  beginne  to 
4 stablish  my  selfe  with  this  assured  hope,  that  this  good 
4 fortune  henceforth  shall  remaine  with  us  evermore,  with- 
4 out  feare  of  other  unlucky  or  sinister  chaunce.  For  she 
4 hath  sufficiently  contervailed  the  favorable  victorie  she 
4 gave  you,  with  the  envious  mishappe  wherewith  she  hath 
4 plagued  both  me  and  mine : shewing  the  conquerour  and 
4 triumpher,  as  noble  an  example  of  mans  miserie  and 
4 weaknes,  as  the  party  conquered,  that  had  bene  led  in 
4 triumphe.  Saving  that  Perseus  yet,  conquered  as  he  is, 
4 hath  this  comforte  left  him : to  see  his  children  living,  and 

239 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


The  death  of 
king  Perseus. 

A straunge 
kind  of  death. 


The  state  of 

Perseus 

sonnes. 


By  iEmylius 
victorie,  the 
people  payed 
no  more  sub- 
sidie. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

6 that  the  conquerour  iEmylius  hath  lost  his.’  And  this  was 
the  summe  of  JSmylius  notable  oration  he  made  unto  the 
people  of  Rome,  proceeding  of  a noble  and  honorable  dis- 
posed minde.  And  though  it  pittied  him  in  his  harte  to  see 
the  straunge  chaunge  of  king  Perseus  fortune,  and  that  he 
hartely  desired  to  helpe  him,  and  to  doe  him  good : yet  he 
could  never  obtaine  other  grace  for  him,  but  only  to  remove 
him  from  the  common  prisone  (which  the  Romaines  call 
Career ) into  a more  clenly  and  sweter  house  : where  being 
straitly  garded  and  looked  unto,  he  killed  him  selfe  by  ab- 
stinence from  meate,  as  the  most  parte  of  historiographers 
doe  write.  Yet  some  writers  tell  a marvelous  straunge  tale, 
and  manner  of  his  death.  For  they  saye  the  souldiers  that 
garded  him,  kept  him  from  sleepe,  watching  him  straightly 
when  sleepe  tooke  him,  and  would  not  suffer  him  to  shut  his 
eye  liddes  (only  apon  malice  they  dyd  beare  him,  bicause 
they  could  not  otherwise  hurte  him)  keeping  him  awake  by 
force,  not  suffering  him  to  take  rest : untill  suche  time  as 
nature  being  forced  to  geve  over,  he  gave  up  the  ghoste. 
Two  of  his  sonnes  dyed  also : but  the  third  called  Alex- 
ander, became  an  excellent  turner  and  joyner,  and  was 
learned,  and  could  speake  the  Romaine  tongue  very  well, 
and  dyd  write  it  so  trimly,  that  afterwards  he  was  chaun- 
celour  to  the  magistrates  of  Rome,  and  dyd  wisely  and  dis- 
cretly  behave  him  selfe  in  his  office.  Furthermore,  they 
doe  adde  to  this  goodly  conquest  of  the  realme  of  Macedon, 
that  iEmylius  conquered  another  speciall  good  thing,  that 
made  him  marvelously  well  liked  of  the  common  people : 
that  is,  that  he  brought  so  muche  gold  and  silver  unto  the 
treasurie  store  of  Rome,  as  the  common  people  needed  never 
after  to  make  contribution  for  any  thing,  untill  the  very  time 
and  yere  that  Hircius  and  Pansa  were  Consuls,  which  was  about 
the  beginning  of  the  first  warres  of  Augustus  and  Antonius. 
And  yet  iEmylius  had  one  singular  good  gift  in  him : that 
though  the  people  dyd  greatly  love  and  honour  him,  yet  he 
ever  tooke  parte  with  the  Senate  and  nobilitie,  and  dyd  never 
by  worde  nor  dede  any  thing  in  favour  of  the  people,  to 
flatter  or  please  them,  but  in  matters  concerning  govern- 
ment, he  dyd  ever  leane  to  the  nobilitie  and  good  men. 

240 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


And  this  dyd  Appius  afterwards  cast  in  his  sonnes  teethe, 
Scipio  Africanus.  For  both  of  them  being  two  of  the 
chiefest  men  of  their  time,  and  contending  together  for 
the  office  of  Censor : Appius  had  about  him  to  favour  his 
sute,  all  the  Senate  and  Nobilitie,  as  of  auncient  time  the 
familie  of  the  Appians  had  ever  held  on  their  parte.  And 
Scipio  Africanus,  though  he  was  a great  man  of  him  selfe, 
yet  he  was  in  all  times  favoured  and  beloved  of  the  common 
people.  Whereupon  when  Appius  sawe  him  come  into  the 
market  place,  followed  with  men  of  small  qualitie  and  base 
condition,  that  had  bene  slaves  before,  but  otherwise  could 
skilfully  handle  suche  practises,  bring  the  people  together, 
and  by  oportunitie  of  cries  and  lowde  voyces  (if  neede  were) 
obteine  what  they  would  in  the  assemblies  of  the  cittie  : he 
spake  out  alowde,  and  sayed  : 0 Paulus  JEmylius,  now  hast 
thou  good  cause  to  sighe,  and  mourne  in  thy  grave  where 
thou  lyest  (if  the  dead  doe  know  what  we  doe  here  on  earth) 
to  see  ^Emylius  a common  sergeant,  and  Licinius  a pratling 
fellowe,  howe  they  bring  thy  sonne  unto  the  dignitie  of  a 
Censor.  And  as  for  Scipio,  he  was  allwayes  beloved  of  the 
common  people,  bicause  he  dyd  favour  them  in  all  things. 
But  iEmylius  also,  although  he  tooke  ever  the  noble  mens 
parte,  he  was  not  therefore  lesse  beloved  of  the  common 
people,  then  those  that  allwayes  flattered  them,  doing  all 
things  as  the  people  would,  to  please  them : which  the 
common  people  did  witnesse,  aswell  by  other  honours  and 
offices  they  offred  him,  as  in  the  dignitie  of  the  Censor 
which  they  gave  him.  For  it  was  the  holiest  office  of  all 
other  at  that  time,  and  of  greatest  power  and  authoritie, 
specially  for  inquierie  and  reformation  of  every  mans  life 
and  manners.  For  he  that  was  Censor,  had  authoritie  to 
put  any  Senatour  of  the  counsell,  and  to  disgrade  him,  if  he 
dyd  not  worthely  behave  him  selfe  according  to  his  place 
and  calling  : and  might  name  and  declare  any  one  of  the 
Senate,  whom  he  thought  to  be  most  honest,  and  fittest  for 
the  place  againe.  Moreover,  they  might  by  their  authoritie, 
take  from  licentious  young  men,  their  horse  which  was  kept 
at  the  charge  of  the  common  weale.  Furthermore,  they  be 
the  sessours  of  the  people,  and  the  muster  masters,  keping 
2 : HH  241 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


iEmylius 

chosen 

Censor. 

The  office  and 
authoritie  of 
the  Censor. 


PAULUS 

iEMILIUS 


iEmylius 

sicknes. 


iEmylius  re- 
moved from 
Rome,  and 
dwelt  in  the 
citty  of  Velia. 


The  death  of 
fEmylius  in 
Rome. 

iEmylius 

funeralles. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

bookes  of  the  number  of  persones  at  every  mustering. 
So  there  appeared  numbred  in  the  register  booke  iEmylius 
made  then  of  them,  three  hundred,  seven  and  thirtie  thou- 
sand, foure  hundred,  and  two  and  fiftie  men,  and  Marcus 
^Emylius  Lepidus  named  president  of  the  Senate,  who  had 
that  honour  foure  times  before,  and  dyd  put  of  the  coun- 
sell three  Senatours,  that  were  but  meane  men.  And  the 
like  meane  and  moderation  he  and  his  companion,  Martius 
Philippus  kept,  upon  viewe  and  muster  taken  of  the  Romaine 
horsemen.  And  after  he  had  ordered  and  disposed  the  greatest 
matters  of  his  charge  and  office,  he  fell  sicke  of  a disease  that 
at  the  beginning  seemed  very  daungerous,  but  in  the  ende 
there  was  no  other  daunger,  saving  that  it  was  a lingring 
disease,  and  hard  to  cure.  So,  following  the  counsell  of 
phisitians,  who  willed  him  to  goe  to  a cittie  in  Italy  called 
Velia,  he  tooke  sea,  and  went  thither,  and  continued  there 
a long  time,  dwelling  in  pleasaunt  houses  upon  the  sea 
side,  quietly  and  out  of  all  noyse.  But  during  this  time 
of  his  absence,  the  Romaines  wished  for  him  many  a time 
and  ofte.  And  when  they  were  gathered  together  in  the 
Theaters,  to  see  the  playes  and  sportes,  they  cried  out  divers 
times  for  him  : whereby  they  shewed  that  they  had  a great 
desire  to  see  him  againe.  Time  being  come  about  when  they 
used  to  make  a solemne  yerely  sacrifice,  and  iEmylius  finding 
him  selfe  also  in  good  perfect  health : he  returned  againe  to 
Rome,  where  he  made  the  sacrifice  with  the  other  priestes, 
all  the  people  of  Rome  gathering  about  him,  rejoycing 
muche  to  see  him.  The  next  daye  after,  he  made  another 
particular  sacrifice,  to  geve  thankes  unto  the  goddes  for 
recoverie  of  his  healthe.  After  the  sacrifice  was  ended,  he 
went  home  to  his  house,  and  sate  him  downe  to  dinner : he 
sodainly  fell  into  a raving  (without  any  perseverance  of  sick- 
nes spied  in  him  before,  or  any  chaunge  or  alteration  in  him) 
and  his  wittes  went  from  him  in  suche  sorte,  that  he  dyed 
within  three  dayes  after,  lacking  no  necessarie  thing  that  an 
earthly  man  could  have,  to  make  him  happy  in  this  world. 
For  he  was  even  honoured  at  his  funeralles,  and  his  vertue 
was  adorned  with  many  goodly  glorious  ornaments,  neither 
with  gold,  silver,  nor  ivorie,  nor  with  other  suche  sump- 
242 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

tuousnes  or  magnificence  of  apparell,  but  with  the  love  and  PAULUS 
good  will  of  the  people,  all  of  them  confessing  his  vertue  ^EMILIUS 
and  well  doing : and  this  dyd  not  only  his  naturall  country 
men  performe  in  memorie  of  him,  but  his  very  enemies  also. 

For  all  those  that  met  in  Rome  by  chaunce  at  that  time,  that 
were  either  come  out  of  Spayne,  from  Genua,  or  out  of 
Macedon,  all  those  that  were  young  and  strong,  dyd  will- 
ingly put  them  selves  under  the  coffin  where  his  bodie  laye, 
to  helpe  to  carie  him  to  the  churche:  and  the  olde  men 
followed  his  bodie  to  accompany  the  same,  calling  vEmylius 
the  benefactour,  saviour,  and  father  of  their  countrie.  For 
he  dyd  not  only  intreate  them  gently,  and  graciously, 
whom  he  had  subdued : but  all  his  life  time  he  was  ever 
ready  to  pleasure  them,  and  to  set  forwardes  their  causes, 
even  as  they  had  bene  his  confederates,  very  friends,  and 
neere  kinsemen.  The  inventorie,  of  all  his  goodes  after  his  AEmylius 
death,  dyd  scant  amownte  unto  the  summe  of  three  hundred,  goodes  what 
three  score,  and  tenne  thousand  silver  Drachmes,  which  his  * ie^  came  t0, 
two  sonnes  dyd  inherite.  But  Scipio  being  the  younger,  left 
all  his  right  unto  his  elder  brother  Fabius,  bicause  he  was 
adopted  into  a very  riche  house,  which  was  the  house 
of  the  great  Scipio  Africanus.  Suche  they  saye 
was  Paulus  iEmylius  conditions  and  life. 

THE  ENDE  OF  PAULUS  jEMYLIUS  LIFE 


THE  LIFE  OF  TIMOLEON 


EFORE  Timoleon  was  sent  into  Sicile,  thus  The  state  of 
stoode  the  state  of  the  Syracusans.  After  the  Syra- 
that  Dion  had  driven  out  the  tyranne  cusans  before 
Dionysius,  he  him  selfe  alter  was  slaine 
immediatly  by  treason:  and  those  that 
ayded  him  to  restore  the  Syracusans  to 


comming’. 


their  libertie,  fell  out,  and 


sention 


them  selves. 


were  at  dis- 
By  reason 


among 

whereof,  the  cittie  of  Syracusa  chaunging  continually  newe 

243 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

TIMOLEON  tyrannes,  was  so  troubled  and  turmoiled  with  all  sorte  of 
evills,  that  it  was  left  in  manner  desolate,  and  without 
inhabitants.  The  rest  of  Sicile  in  like  case  was  utterly 
destroyed,  and  no  citties  in  manner  left  standing,  by  reason 
of  the  long  warres : and  those  fewe  that  remained,  were  most 
inhabited  of  forreine  souldiers  and  straungers  (a  company  of 
lose  men  gathered  together  that  tooke  paye  of  no  prince  nor 
cittie)  all  the  dominions  of  the  same  being  easely  usurped, 
and  as  easie  to  chaunge  their  lorde.  In  so  muche,  Dionysius 
the  tyranne,  tenne  yeres  after  Dion  had  driven  him  out  of 
Sicile,  having  gathered  a certen  number  of  souldiers  together 
againe,  and  through  their  helpe  driven  out  Niseus,  that 
raigned  at  that  time  in  Syracusa : he  recovered  the  Realme 
againe,  and  made  him  selfe  King.  So,  if  he  was  straungely 
expulsed  by  a small  power  out  of  the  greatest  Kingdome 
that  ever  was  in  the  worlde : likewise  he  more  straungely 
recovered  it  againe,  being  banished  and  very  poore,  making 
him  selfe  King  over  them,  who  before  had  driven  him  out. 
Thus  were  the  inhabitants  of  the  cittie  compelled,  to  serve 
this  tyranne : who  besides  that  of  his  owne  nature  he  was 
never  curteous  nor  civill,  he  was  now  growen  to  be  farre 
more  dogged  and  cruell,  by  reason  of  the  extreme  miserie 
and  misfortune  he  had  endured.  But  the  noblest  cittizens 
Icetes,  repaired  unto  Icetes,  who  at  that  time  as  lorde  ruled  the 

tyranne  of  the  cittie  of  the  Leontines,  and  they  chose  him  for  their  generall 
Leontmes.  *n  these  warres : not  for  that  he  was  any  thing  better  then 
the  open  tyrannes,  but  bicause  they  had  no  other  to  repaire 
unto  at  that  time,  and  they  trusted  him  best,  for  that  he 
was  borne  (as  them  selves)  within  the  cittie  of  Syracusa,  and 
bicause  also  he  had  men  of  warre  about  him,  to  make  head 
against  this  tyranne.  But  in  the  meane  time,  the  Cartha- 
ginians came  downe  into  Sicile  with  a great  armie,  and 
invaded  the  countrie.  The  Syracusans  being  afrayed  of 
them,  determined  to  send  ambassadours  into  Graece  unto  the 
Corinthians,  to  praye  ayde  of  them  against  the  barbarous 
people,  having  better  hope  of  them,  then  of  any  other  of 
the  Graecians.  And  that  not  altogether  bicause  they  were 
lineally  descended  from  them,  and  that  they  had  receyved  in 
times  past  many  pleasures  at  their  handes : but  also  for  that 
244 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


they  knewe  that  Corinthe  was  a cittie,  that  in  all  ages  and 
times,  dyd  ever  love  libertie,  and  hate  tyrannes,  and  that 
had  allwayes  made  their  greatest  warres,  not  for  ambition  of 
Kingdomes,  nor  of  covetous  desire  to  conquer  and  rule,  but 
only  to  defend  and  mainteine  the  libertie  of  the  Graecians. 
But  Icetes  in  another  contrarie  sorte,  he  tooke  apon  him  to 
be  generall,  with  a minde  to  make  him  selfe  king  of  Syracusa. 
For  he  had  secretly  practised  with  the  Carthaginians,  and 
openly  notwithstanding,  in  words  he  commended  the  counsell 
and  determination  of  the  Syracusans,  and  sent  ambassadours 
from  him  selfe  also  with  theirs,  unto  Peloponnesus  : not  that 
he  was  desirous  any  ayde  should  come  from  them  to  Syracusa, 
but  bicause  he  hoped  if  the  Corinthians  refused  to  send  them 
ayde  (as  it  was  very  likely  they  would,  for  the  warres  and 
troubles  that  were  in  Greece)  that  he  might  more  easely 
turne  all  over  to  the  Carthaginians,  and  use  them  as  his 
friendes,  to  ayde  him  against  the  Syracusans,  or  the  tyrante 
Dionysius.  And  that  this  was  his  full  purpose,  and  intent, 
it  appeared  plainely  sone  after.  Now  when  their  ambassadours 
arrived  at  Corinthe,  and  had  delivered  their  message,  the 
Corinthians,  who  had  ever  bene  carefull  to  defend  such  citties 
as  had  sought  unto  them,  and  specially  Syracusa : very  will- 
ingly determined  in  counsaill  to  send  them  ayde,  and  the 
rather  for  that  they  were  in  good  peace  at  that  time,  having 
warres  with  none  of  the  Graecians.  So  their  only  staye 
rested,  upon  choosing  of  a generall  to  leade  their  armie.  Now 
as  the  magistrates  and  governours  of  the  cittie  were  naming 
suche  cittizens,  as  willingly  offred  their  service,  desirous  to 
advaunce  them  selves : there  stept  up  a meane  commoner, 
who  named  Timoleon,  Timodemus  sonne,  a man  that  untill 
that  time  was  never  called  on  for  service,  neither  looked  for 
any  suche  prefarment.  And  truely  it  is  to  be  thought  it 
was  the  secret  working  of  the  gods,  that  directed  the  thought 
of  this  meane  commoner  to  name  Timoleon  : whose  election 
fortune  favored  very  much,  and  joyned  to  his  valliantnes 
and  vertue,  marvelous  good  successe  in  all  his  doings  after- 
wardes.  This  Timoleon  was  borne  of  noble  parents,  both  by 
father  and  mother  : his  father  was  called  Timodemus,  and 
his  mother  Demareta.  He  was  naturally  inclined  to  love  his 

245 


TIMOLEON 


By  what  voice 
Timoleon 
came  to  be 
generall. 


Timoleons 
parentage  and 
manners. 


TIMOLEON 


Timophanes, 
Timoleons 
brother,  what 
he  was. 


Timoleon 
saved  his 
brothers  life. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

countrie  and  common  weale:  and  was  allwayes  gentle  and 
curteous  to  all  men,  saving  that  he  mortally  hated  tyrantes 
and  wicked  men.  Furthermore  nature  had  framed  his  bodie 
apt  for  warres  and  for  paynes : he  was  wise  in  his  grenest 
youth  in  all  things  he  tooke  in  hande,  and  in  his  age  he 
shewed  him  selfe  very  valliant.  He  had  an  elder  brother 
called  Timophanes,  who  was  nothing  like  to  him  in  con- 
dition : for  he  was  a rashe  harebraynd  man,  and  had  a 
greedy  desire  to  reigne,  being  put  into  his  head  by  a com- 
panie  of  meane  men,  that  bare  him  in  hande  they  were  his 
friendes,  and  by  certen  souldiers  gathered  together,  which 
he  had  allwayes  about  him.  And  bicause  he  was  very  hotte 
and  forward  in  warres,  his  cittizens  tooke  him  for  a noble 
captaine,  and  a man  of  good  service,  and  therefore  often- 
times they  gave  him  charge  of  men.  And  therein  Timoleon 
dyd  helpe  him  muche  to  hide  his  faulte  he  committed, 
or  at  the  least  made  them  seeme  lesse,  and  lighter  then 
they  were,  still  increasing  that  small  good  gifte  that  nature 
brought  forth  in  him.  As  in  a battell  the  Corinthians  had 
against  the  Argives  and  the  Cleoneians,  Timoleon  served  as 
a private  souldier  amongest  the  footemen  : and  Timophanes 
his  brother,  having  charge  of  horsemen,  was  in  great  daunger 
of  being  cast  away,  if  present  helpe  had  not  bene.  For  his 
horse  being  hurte,  threwe  him  on  the  grounde  in  the  middest 
of  his  enemies.  Whereupon  parte  of  those  that  were  about 
him,  were  affray ed,  and  dispersed  them  selves  here  and  there  : 
and  those  that  remained  with  him,  being  fewe  in  number, 
and  having  many  enemies  to  fight  withall,  dyd  hardly  with- 
stand their  force  and  charge.  But  his  brother  Timoleon 
seeing  him  in  suche  instant  daunger  a farre  of,  ranne  with 
all  speede  possible  to  helpe  him,  and  clapping  his  target 
before  his  brother  Timophanes,  that  laye  on  the  grounde, 
receyving  many  woundes  on  his  bodie  with  sworde  and 
arrowes,  with  great  difficultie  he  repulsed  the  enemies,  and 
saved  his  owne  and  his  brothers  life.  Now  the  Corinthians 
fearing  the  like  matter  to  come  that  before  had  happened 
unto  them,  which  was  to  lose  their  cittie  through  default 
of  their  friends  helpe : they  resolved  in  counsell,  to  enter- 
taine  in  paye  continuallv  foure  hundred  souldiers  that  were 
246 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

straungers,  whom  they  assigned  over  to  Timophanes  charge.  TIMOLEON 
Who,  abandoning  all  honestie  and  regarde  of  the  trust  The  Corinth- 
reposed  in  him,  dyd  presently  practise  all  the  wayes  he  iansenter- 
could  to  make  him  selfe  lorde  of  the  cittie : and  having  put  t®ined  400 
divers  of  the  chiefest  cittizens  to  death  without  order  of  and^ade8* 
lawe,  in  the  ende,  he  openly  proclaimed  him  selfe  King.  Timophanes 
Timoleon  being  very  sorie  for  this,  and  taking  his  brothers  captaine  of 
wickednes  would  be  the  very  highe  waye  to  his  fall  and  themtokeepe 
destruction : sought  first  to  winne  him  with  all  the  good  t eir  Clttie‘ 
words  and  persuasion  he  could,  to  move  him  to  leave  his  Timophanes 
ambitious  desire  to  reigne,  and  to  salve  (as  neere  as  might  ion  of 

be)  his  harde  dealing  with  the  cittizens.  Timophanes  set  the  kingdom, 
light  by  his  brothers  persuasions,  and  would  geve  no  eare 
unto  them.  Thereupon  Timoleon  then  went  unto  one 
iEschylus  his  friend,  and  brother  unto  Timophanes  wife,  and 
to  one  Satyrus  a soothesayer  (as  Theopompus  the  historio- 
grapher calleth  him,  and  Ephorus  calleth  him  Orthagoras) 
with  whom  he  came  againe  another  time  unto  his  brother : 
and  they  three  comming  to  him,  instantly  besought  him  to 
beleeve  good  counsell,  and  to  leave  the  Kingdome.  Timo- 
phanes at  the  first  dyd  but  laughe  them  to  scorne,  and 
sported  at  their  persuasions : but  afterwards  he  waxed 
war  me,  and  grew  into  great  ch  oiler  with  them.  Timoleon 
seeing  that,  went  a litle  a toside,  and  covering  his  face  fell  a 
weeping : and  in  the  meane  season,  the  other  two  drawing 
out  their  swordes,  slue  Timophanes  in  the  place.  This  Timophanes 
murder  was  straight  bio  wen  abroade  through  the  cittie,  and  slaine  bis 
the  better  sorte  did  greatly  commend  the  noble  minde  and  clement*™" 
hate  Timoleon  bare  against  the  tyrante : considering  that 
he  being  of  a gentle  nature,  and  loving  to  his  kinne,  dyd 
notwithstanding  regard  the  benefit  of  his  countrie,  before 
the  naturall  affection  to  his  brother,  and  preferred  duety 
and  justice,  before  nature  and  kinred.  For,  before  he  had 
saved  his  brothers  life,  fighting  for  defence  of  his  countrie : 
and  now  in  seeking  to  make  him  selfe  King,  and  to  rule  the 
same,  he  made  him  to  be  slaine.  Suche  then  as  misliked 
popular  government  and  libertie,  and  allwayes  followed  the 
Nobilitie:  they  set  a good  face  of  the  matter,  as  though 
they  had  bene  glad  of  the  tyrantes  death.  Yet  still  reprov- 

m 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

TIMOLEON  ing  Timoleon  for  the  horrible  murder  he  had  committed 
against  his  brother,  declaring  howe  detestable  it  was  both  to 
the  gods  and  men  : they  so  handled  him,  that  it  grieved  him 
to  the  harte  he  had  done  it.  But  when  it  was  told  him  that 
his  mother  tooke  it  marvelous  evill,  and  that  she  pronounced 
horrible  curses  against  him,  and  gave  out  terrible  wordes 
of  him,  he  went  unto  her  in  hope  to  comfort  her : howbeit 
she  could  never  abide  to  see  him,  but  allwayes  shut  her 
doore  against  him.  Then  he  being  wounded  to  the  harte 
with  sorowe,  tooke  a conceit  sodainly  to  kill  him  selfe  by 
absteining  from  meate : but  his  friends  would  never  forsake 
him  in  this  despaire,  and  urged  him  so  farre  by  intreaty  and 
persuasion,  that  they  compelled  him  to  eate.  Thereupon  he 
resolved  thenceforth  to  give  him  self  over  to  a solitarie  life 
in  the  countrie,  secluding  him  selfe  from  all  companie  and 
dealings : so  as  at  the  beginning,  he  dyd  not  only  refuse  to 
repaire  unto  the  cittie,  and  all  accesse  of  companie,  but 
wandring  up  and  downe  in  most  solitarie  places,  consumed 
him  selfe  and  his  time  with  melancholie.  And  thus  we  see, 
that  counsells  and  judgements  are  lightly  caried  awaye  (by 
prayse  or  disprayse)  if  they  be  not  shored  up  with  rule  of 
reason,  and  philosophic,  and  rest  confounded  in  them  selves. 

Our  acts  must  And  therefore  it  is  very  requisite  and  necessarie,  that  not 

be  honest,  and  only  the  acte  be  good  and  honest  of  it  selfe,  but  that  the 

constant.  resolution  thereof  be  also  constant,  and  not  subject  unto 
chaunge:  to  the  ende  we  maye  doe  all  things  consideratly. 
Lest  we  be  like  unto  likerous  mowthed  men,  who  as  they 
desire  meates  with  a greedy  appetite,  and  after  are  sone 
weary,  disliking  the  same : even  so  we  do  soddenly  repent 
our  actions,  grounded  upon  a weake  imagination,  of  the 
honestie  that  moved  us  thereunto.  For  repentaunce  maketh 
the  acte,  which  before  was  good,  naught.  But  determination, 
grounded  upon  certaine  knowledge  and  truthe  of  reason, 
doth  never  chaunge,  although  the  matter  enterprised,  have 
not  allwayes  happy  successe.  And  therefore  Phocion  the 
Athenian  having  resisted  (as  muche  as  in  him  laye)  certen 
things  which  the  generall  Leosthenes  dyd,  and  which  con- 
trarie  to  his  minde  tooke  good  effect:  and  perceyving  the 
Athenians  dyd  open  sacrifice  unto  the  goddes,  to  geve  them 
248 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


thankes  for  the  same,  and  muche  rejoy ce  at  the  victorie  they 
had  obteined.  I would  have  rejoy ced  to  (sayed  he)  if  I had 
done  this  : but  so  would  I not  for  any  thing,  but  I had  geven 
the  counsell.  And  after  that  sorte,  but  more  sharpely  dyd 
Aristides  Locrian  (a  very  friend  and  companion  of  Platoes) 
aunswer  Dionysius  the  elder,  tyrante  of  Syracusa : who  asked 
his  goodwill  to  marye  one  of  his  daughters.  I had  rather  see 
my  daughter  deade  (sayde  he)  then  maried  unto  a tyranne. 
And  within  a certayne  tyme  after,  the  tyranne  put  all  his 
sonnes  to  deathe : and  then  he  asked  him  in  derision,  to 
greeve  him  the  more,  if  he  were  still  of  his  former  opinion 
for  the  marying  of  his  daughter.  I am  very  sorye,  (sayed 
he)  with  all  my  harte,  for  that  thou  hast  done : but  yet  I 
doe  not  repent  me  of  that  I have  sayed.  That  perad venture 
proceeded  of  a more  perfect  vertue.  But  to  returne  againe 
to  Timoleon.  Whether  that  inwarde  sorowe  strooke  him  to 
the  harte  for  the  deathe  of  his  brother,  or  that  shame  did  so 
abash  him,  as  he  durst  not  abide  his  mother : twenty  yeares 
after,  he  never  did  any  notable  or  famous  acte.  And  there- 
fore, when  he  was  named  to  be  generall  of  the  ayde  that 
shoulde  be  sent  into  Sicile,  the  people  having  willingly 
chosen  and  accepted  of  him : Teleclides,  who  was  chiefe 
governor  at  that  time  in  the  citie  of  Corinthe,  standing 
uppon  his  feete  before  the  people,  spake  unto  Timoleon,  and 
did  exhorte  him  to  behave  him  selfe  like  an  honest  man,  and 
valiant  Captaine  in  his  charge.  For,  sayd  he,  if  you  handle 
your  selfe  well,  we  will  thinke  you  have  killed  a tyranne : 
but  if  you  doe  order  your  selfe  otherwise  then  well,  we  will 
judge  you  have  killed  your  brother.  Nowe  Timoleon  being 
busie  in  leavying  of  men,  and  preparing  him  selfe : letters 
came  to  the  Corinthians  from  Icetes,  whereby  plainely  appeared, 
that  Icetes  had  caried  two  faces  in  one  hoode,  and  that  he 
was  become  a traytor.  For  he  had  no  sooner  dispatched  his 
Ambassadors  unto  them,  but  he  straight  tooke  the  Carthagi- 
nians parte,  and  dealt  openly  for  them,  intending  to  drive 
out  Dionysius,  and  to  make  him  selfe  king  of  Syracusa.  But 
fearing  least  the  Corinthians  would  send  ayde  before  he  had 
wrought  his  feate:  he  wrote  againe  unto  the  Corinthians, 
sending  them  worde,  that  they  shoulde  not  neede  nowe  to  put 
2:11  249 


TIMOLEON 

Phocions 

saying. 

Aristides 
grave  saying. 


Timoleon 
chosen  gene- 
rall to  go  into 
Sicile. 


Icetes  tyran 
of  the  Leon- 
tines,  a 
traytor. 


TIMOLEON 


A signe 
happened  to 
Timoleon. 


Timoleon 
tooke  shippe 
towards 
Sicile. 


A burning 
torche  ap- 
peared in  the 
element  unto 
Timoleon. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

them  selves  to  any  charge  or  daunger  for  comming  into 
Sicile,  and  specially,  bicause  the  Carthaginians  were  very 
angrie,  and  did  also  lye  in  wayte  in  the  way  as  they  should 
come,  with  a great  fleete  of  shippes  to  meete  with  their 
armie : and  that  for  him  selfe,  bicause  he  sawe  they  taried 
long,  he  had  made  league  and  amitie  with  them,  against  the 
tyranne  Dionysius.  When  they  had  red  his  letters,  if  any 
of  the  Corinthians  were  before  but  coldely  affected  to  this 
jorney,  choller  did  then  so  warme  them  against  Icetes,  that 
they  franckly  graunted  Timoleon  what  he  would  aske,  and 
helpe  to  furnishe  him  to  set  him  out.  When  the  shippes 
were  ready  rigged,  and  that  the  souldiers  were  furnished  of 
all  thinges  necessary  for  their  departure,  the  Nunnes  of  the 
goddesse  Proserpina  sayed,  they  sawe  a vision  in  their  dreame, 
and  that  the  goddesses  Ceres  and  Proserpina  did  appeare 
unto  them,  apparrelled  like  travellers  to  take  a jorney  : and 
tolde  them,  that  they  woulde  goe  with  Timoleon  into  Sicile. 
Apon  this  speache  onely,  the  Corinthians  rigged  a galley, 
they  called,  the  galley  of  Ceres  and  Proserpina  : and  Timo- 
leon him  selfe  before  he  would  take  the  seas,  went  into  the 
citie  of  Delphes,  where  he  made  sacrifice  unto  Apollo.  And 
as  he  entred  within  the  Sanctuarie  where  the  aunsweres  of 
the  Oracle  are  made,  there  happened  a wonderfull  signe  unto 
him.  For  amongest  the  vowes  and  offerings  that  are  hanged 
uppe  uppon  the  walles  of  the  Sanctuarie,  there  fell  a bande 
directly  uppon  Timoleons  heade,  imbrodered  all  about  with 
crownes  of  victorie  : so  that  it  seemed  Apollo  sent  him 
already  crowned,  before  he  had  set  out  one  foote  towardes 
the  jorney.  He  tooke  shippe,  and  say  led  with  seven  gaily  es 
of  Corinthe,  two  of  Corphue,  and  tenne  the  Leucadians  did 
set  out.  When  he  was  launched  out  in  the  mayne  sea, 
having  a francke  gale  of  winde  and  large,  he  thought  in  the 
night  that  the  element  did  open,  and  that  out  of  the  same 
there  came  a marvelous  great  bright  light  over  his  shippe, 
and  it  was  much  like  to  a torche  burning,  when  they  showe 
the  ceremonies  of  the  holy  mysteries.  This  torche  did 
accompanie  and  guide  them  all  their  voyage,  and  in  the 
ende  it  vanished  away,  and  seemed  to  fall  downe  uppon  the 
coast  of  Italye,  where  the  Shippemasters  had  determined  to 
250 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


arrive.  The  wise  mens  opinions  being  asked  what  this  might 
signifie : they  aunswered : That  this  wonderfull  sight  did 
betoken  the  dreame,  the  Nunnes  of  the  goddesse  Ceres 
dreamed,  and  that  the  goddesses  favoring  this  jorney,  had 
shewed  them  the  waye,  by  sending  of  this  light  from  heaven  : 
bicause  that  the  He  of  Sicile  is  consecrated  unto  the  goddesse 
Proserpina,  and  specially  for  that  they  reporte  her  ravishe- 
ment  was  in  that  lie,  and  that  the  whole  realme  was  assigned 
unto  her  for  her  joynter,  at  the  day  of  her  mariage.  Thus 
did  this  celestiall  signe  of  the  goddes  bothe  encorage  those 
that  went  this  jorney,  and  deliver  them  also  assured  hope, 
who  sayled  with  all  possible  speede  they  coulde  : untill  such 
time,  as  having  crossed  the  seas,  they  arrived  upon  the  coast 
of  Italie.  But  when  they  came  thither,  the  newes  they 
understoode  from  Sicile  put  Timoleon  in  great  perplexitie, 
and  did  marvelously  discourage  the  souldiers  he  brought 
with  him.  For  Icetes  having  overthrowen  the  battell  of  the 
tyranne  Dionysius,  and  possessed  the  greatest  parte  of  the 
citie  of  Syracusa : he  did  beseege  him  within  the  castell,  and 
within  that  parte  of  the  citie  which  is  called  the  lie,  where 
he  had  pent  him  up,  and  inclosed  him  in  with  walles  rounde 
about.  And  in  the  meane  time  he  had  prayed  the  Cartha- 
ginians, that  they  would  be  carefull  to  keepe  Timoleon  from 
landing  in  Sicile,  to  the  ende  that  by  preventing  that  ayde, 
they  might  easily  devide  Sicile  betwene  them,  and  no  man  to  let 
them.  The  Carthaginians  following  his  request,  sent  twenty 
of  their  gallyes  unto  Rhegio,  amonge  which  Icetes  Ambassa- 
dors were  sent  to  Timoleon,  with  testimonie  of  his  doinges : 
for  they  were  fayer  flattering  wordes,  to  cloke  his  wicked 
intent  he  purposed.  For  they  willed  Timoleon  he  shoulde  goe 
him  selfe  alone  (if  he  thought  good)  unto  Icetes,  to  counsell 
him,  and  to  accompanie  him  in  all  his  doinges,  which  were 
nowe  so  farre  onwardes  in  good  towardnes,  as  he  had  almost 
ended  them  all.  Furthermore,  they  did  also  perswade  him, 
he  shoulde  send  backe  his  shippes  and  souldiers  to  Corinthe 
agayne,  considering  that  the  warre  was  nowe  brought  to 
good  passe,  and  that  the  Carthaginians  woulde  in  no  case 
that  his  men  should  passe  into  Sicile,  and  that  they  were 
determined  to  fight  with  them,  if  they  made  any  force  to 

251 


TIMOLEON 


Icetes  beseeg- 
eth  Dionysius. 


Icetes  sendeth 
Ambassadors 
unto  Timo- 
leon, 


TIMOLEON 


Timoleon 
craftier  then 
the  Cartha- 
ginians. 


Rhegio  a 
citie  of 
Greece. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

enter.  So  the  Corinthians  at  their  arrivall  into  the  citie  of 
Rhegio,  finding  there  these  Ambassadors,  and  seeing  the  fleete 
of  the  Carthaginians  shippes,  which  did  ryde  at  ancker  not 
farre  of  from  them : it  spyted  them  on  the  one  side  to  see 
they  were  thus  mocked  and  abused  by  Icetes.  For  every  one 
of  them  were  marvelous  angrye  with  him,  and  were  greatly 
afeard  also  for  the  poore  Sicilians,  whome  to  playnely  they 
sawe  left  a praye  unto  Icetes  for  rewarde  of  his  treason,  and 
to  the  Carthaginians  for  recompence  of  the  tyrannie,  which 
they  suffered  him  to  establish.  So,  on  the  other  side  they 
thought  it  impossible  to  concquer  the  shippes  of  the  Cartha- 
ginians, which  laye  in  wayte  for  them,  and  so  neare  unto 
them : considering  they  were  twyse  as  many  in  number  as 
they,  and  hard  for  them  to  subdue  the  armie  also  that  was 
in  the  handes  of  Icetes  in  Sicile,  considering  that  they  were 
not  come  to  him,  but  onely  for  the  mayntenaunce  of  the 
warres.  Notwithstanding,  Timoleon  spake  very  curteously 
unto  those  Ambassadors,  and  captaynes  of  the  Carthaginians 
shippes,  letting  them  understande  that  he  would  doe  as 
much  as  they  would  have  him:  and  to  say  truely,  if  he 
woulde  have  done  otherwise,  he  could  have  wonne  nothing 
by  it.  Nevertheles  he  desired  for  his  discharge,  they  woulde 
say  that  openly,  in  the  presence  of  the  people  of  Rhegio, 
(being  a citie  of  Greece,  friend  and  common  to  both  parties) 
which  they  had  spoken  to  him  in  secrete : and  that  done,  he 
would  departe  incontinently,  alledging  that  it  stoode  him 
very  much  uppon  for  the  safetie  of  his  discharge,  and  that 
they  them  selves  also  should  more  faithfully  keepe  that  they 
promised  unto  him  touching  the  Syracusans,  when  they  had 
agreed  upon  it,  and  promised  it,  before  all  the  people  of 
Rhegio,  who  should  be  witnes  of  it.  Now,  all  this  was  but  a 
fetche  and  policie  delivered  by  him,  to  shadowe  his  departure, 
which  the  Captaines  and  govemers  of  Rhegio  did  favor, 
and  seeme  to  helpe  him  in  : bicause  they  wished  Sicile  should 
fall  into  the  handes  of  the  Corinthians,  and  feared  much 
to  have  the  barbarous  people  for  their  neighbours.  For 
this  cause  they  commaunded  a generall  assembly  of  all  the 
people,  during  which  tyme,  they  caused  the  gates  of  the  citie 
to  be  shut : geving  it  out,  that  it  was  bicause  the  Citizens 
252 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

should  not  goe  about  any  other  matters  in  the  meane  time. 
Then  when  all  the  people  were  assembled,  they  beganne  to 
make  long  orations  without  concluding  any  matter : the  one 
leaving  alwayes  to  the  other  a like  matter  to  talke  of,  to  the 
ende  they  might  winne  time,  untill  the  gallyes  of  the  Corin- 
thians were  departed.  And  staying  the  Carthaginians  also 
in  this  assemblye,  they  mistrusted  nothing,  bicause  they  sawe 
Timoleon  present:  who  made  a countenaunce,  as  though 
he  woulde  ryse  to  say  some  thing.  But  in  the  meane  time, 
some  one  did  secretely  advertise  Timoleon,  that  the  other 
gallyes  were  under  sayle,  and  gone  their  waye,  and  that 
there  was  but  one  galley  left,  which  taried  for  him  in  the 
haven.  Thereupon  he  sodainly  stale  away  through  the 
prease,  with  the  helpe  of  the  Rhegians,  being  about  the 
chayer  where  the  orations  were  made  : and  trudging  quickly 
to  the  haven,  he  imbarked  incontinently,  and  hoysed  saile 
also.  And  when  he  had  overtaken  his  fleete,  they  went  all 
safe  together  to  lande  at  the  citie  of  Tauromenion,  which  is 
in  Sicilie : there  they  were  very  well  received  by  Andro- 
machus,  who  long  before  had  sent  for  them,  for  he  governed 
this  citie,  as  if  he  had  bene  Lorde  thereof.  He  was  the 
father  of  Timaeus  the  Historiographer,  the  honestest  man  of 
all  those  that  did  beare  rule  at  that  time  in  all  Sicile.  For 
he  did  rule  his  Citizens,  in  all  justice  and  equitie,  and  did 
alwaies  shew  him  selfe  an  open  enemy  of  tyrans.  And  fol- 
lowing his  affection  therein,  he  lent  his  citie  at  that  time 
unto  Timoleon,  to  gather  people  together,  and  perswaded  his 
Citizens  to  enter  into  league  with  the  Corinthians,  and  to 
ayde  them,  to  deliver  Sicile  from  bondage,  and  to  restore  it 
againe  to  libertie.  But  the  captaines  of  the  Carthaginians 
that  were  at  Rhegio,  when  they  knewe  that  Timoleon  was 
under  sayle  and  gone,  after  the  assemblie  of  the  counsell  was 
broken  uppe  : they  were  ready  to  eate  their  fingers  for  spyte, 
to  see  them  selves  thus  finely  mocked  and  deceived.  The 
Rhegians  on  the  other  side,  were  mery  at  the  matter,  to  see 
howe  the  Phenicians  stormed  at  it,  that  they  had  such  a fine 
parte  played  them.  Howbeit  in  the  ende,  they  determined 
to  send  an  Ambassador  unto  Tauromenion,  in  one  of  their 
gallyes.  This  Ambassador  spake  very  boldely,  and  barbar- 

253 


TIMOLEON 


Timoleon 
landeth  at 
Tauromenion 
in  Sicile. 


Andromachus 
the  father  of 
Timaeus  the 
Historio- 
grapher, 
governer  of 
the  citie  of 
Tauromenion. 


TIMOLEON 

The  Cartha- 
ginians Am- 
bassador did 
threaten  to 
destroy  the 
citie  of  Tauro- 
menion,  by 
shewing 
Andromachus 
the  palme  and 
backe  of  his 
hand. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

ously  unto  Andromachus,  and  in  a choller : and  last  of  all, 
he  shewed  him  first  the  palme  of  his  hande,  then  the  backe 
of  his  hande,  and  did  threaten  him  that  his  citie  shoulde  be 
so  turned  over  hand,  if  he  did  not  quickly  send  away  the 
Corinthians.  Andromachus  fell  a laughing  at  him,  and  did 
turne  his  hande  uppe  and  downe  as  the  Ambassador  had 
done,  and  bad  him  that  he  shoulde  get  him  going,  and  that 
with  speede  out  of  his  citie,  if  he  would  not  see  the  keele  of 
his  galley  turned  upward.  Icetes  nowe  understanding  of 
Timoleons  comming,  and  being  affrayed,  sent  for  a great 
number  of  gallyes  unto  the  Carthaginians.  Then  the  Syra- 
cusans beganne  to  despayre  utterly,  when  they  sawe  their 
haven  full  of  the  Carthaginians  galleyes,  the  best  parte  of  their 
citie  kept  by  Icetes,  and  the  castell  by  the  tyran  Dionysius. 
And  on  thother  side,  that  Timoleon  was  not  yet  comen  but 
to  a litle  corner  of  Sicile,  having  no  more  but  the  litle  citie 
of  Tauromenion,  with  a small  power,  and  lesse  hope  : bicause 
there  was  not  above  a thowsand  footemen  in  all,  to  furnishe 
these  warres,  neither  provision  of  vittells,  nor  so  much  money 
as  woulde  serve  to  entertayne  and  pay  them.  Besides  also, 
that  the  other  cities  of  Sicile  did  nothing  trust  him.  But  by 
reason  of  the  violent  extorcions  they  had  alate  suffered,  they 
hated  all  Captaines  and  leaders  of  men  of  warre  to  the  deathe, 
and  specially  for  the  tretcherie  of  Calippus  and  Pharax, 
whereof  the  one  was  an  Athenian,  and  the  other  a Lacedae- 
monian. Both  of  them  sayed  they  came  to  set  Sicile  at 
libertie,  and  to  drive  out  the  tyrans  : and  yet  nevertheles 
they  had  done  so  much  hurte  unto  the  poore  Sicilians,  that 
the  miserie  and  calamitie  which  they  had  suffered  under  the 
tyrans,  seemed  all  to  be  golde  unto  them,  in  respect  of  that 
which  the  Captaines  had  made  them  to  abyde.  And  they 
did  not  thinke  them  more  happy,  that  had  willingly  sub- 
mitted them  selves  unto  the  yoke  of  servitude : then  those 
which  they  sawe  restored,  and  set  at  libertie.  Therefore 
perswading  them  selves,  that  this  Corinthian  woulde  be  no 
better  unto  them,  then  the  other  had  bene  before,  but  sup- 
posing they  were  the  selfe  same  former  craftes,  and  alluring 
baytes  of  good  hope  and  fayer  wordes,  which  they  had  tasted 
of  before,  to  drawe  them  to  accept  newe  tyrans : they  did 
254 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


sore  suspect  it,  and  rejected  all  the  Corinthians  perswasions. 
Saving  the  Adranitans  onely,  whose  litle  citie  being  conse- 
crated to  the  god  Adranus,  (and  greatly  honored  and  rever- 
enced through  all  Sicile)  was  then  in  dissention  one  against 
an  other  : in  so  muche  as  one  parte  of  them  tooke  parte  with 
Icetes,  and  the  Carthaginians,  and  an  other  side  of  them  sent 
unto  Timoleon.  So  it  fortuned,  that  bothe  the  one  and  the 
other,  making  all  the  possible  speede  they  coulde,  who  shoulde 
come  first : arrived  bothe  in  manner  at  one  selfe  tyme.  Icetes 
had  about  five  thowsande  souldiers.  Timoleon  had  not  in 
all,  above  twelve  hundred  men,  with  the  which  he  departed 
to  goe  towards  the  citie  of  Adranus,  distant  from  Tauro- 
menion,  about  three  hundred  and  fortie  furlonges.  For  the 
first  dayes  jorney,  he  went  no  great  way,  but  lodged  betymes  : 
but  the  next  morning  he  marched  very  hastely,  and  had  mar- 
velous ill  way.  When  night  was  come,  and  day  light  shut  in, 
he  had  newes  that  Icetes  did  but  newly  arrive  before  Ad- 
ranus, where  he  encamped.  When  the  private  captaines 
understood  this,  they  caused  the  voward  to  stay,  to  eate 
and  repose  a litle,  that  they  might  be  the  lustier,  and,  the 
stronger  to  fight.  But  Timoleon  did  set  still  forwards,  and 
prayed  them  not  to  stay,  but  to  goe  on  with  all  the  speede 
they  could  possible,  that  they  might  take  their  enemies  out 
of  order  (as  it  was  likely  they  should)  being  but  newly  arrived, 
and  troubled  with  making  their  cabbons,  and  preparing  for 
supper.  Therewithall  as  he  spake  these  wordes,  he  tooke  his 
target  on  his  arme,  and  marched  him  selfe  the  formost  man, 
as  bravely  and  coragiously  as  if  he  had  gon  to  a most  assured 
victorie.  The  souldiers  seeing  him  marche  with  that  life, 
they  followed  at  his  heeles  with  like  corage.  So  they  had 
not  passing  thirty  furlonges  to  goe,  which  when  they  had 
overcomen,  they  straight  set  apon  their  enemies,  whome  they 
found  all  out  of  order,  and  began  to  flye,  so  soone  as  they 
saw  they  were  upon  their  backes  before  they  were  aware.  By 
this  meanes  there  were  not  above  three  hundred  men  slayne, 
and  twise  as  many  moe  taken  prisoners,  and  so  their  whole 
campe  was  possessed.  Then  the  Adranitans  opening  their 
gates,  y elded  unto  Timoleon,  declaring  unto  him  with  great 
feare,  and  no  lesse  wonder,  how  at  the  very  time  when  he 

255 


TIMOLEON 

The  god 
Adranus. 


Timoleon 
overthrew 
Icetes  armie, 
and  made  him 
flye  from 
Adranus. 


The  Adrani- 
tans yeld  unto 
Timoleon. 


TIMOLEON 


Mamercus 
tyran  of 
Catana. 


Dionysius  the 
tyran,  yeldeth 
him  selfe  and 
the  castell  of 
Syracusa,unto 
Timoleon. 


Dionysius  the 
tyran  of  Syra- 
cusa  sent  to 
Corinthe. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

gave  charge  apon  the  enemies,  the  dores  of  the  temple  of 
their  god  opened  of  them  selves,  and  that  the  Javeling  which 
the  Image  of  their  god  did  hold  in  his  hand,  did  shake  at  the 
very  ende  where  the  iron  head  was,  and  how  all  his  face  was 
seene  to  sweate.  This  (in  my  opinion)  did  not  onely  signifie 
the  victorie  he  had  gotten  at  that  time,  but  all  the  notable 
exploytes  he  did  afterwardes,  unto  the  which,  this  first  en- 
counter gave  a happye  beginning.  For  immediatly  after, 
many  cities  sent  unto  Timoleon,  to  joyne  in  league  with  him. 
And  Mamercus,  the  tyran  of  Catana,  a souldier,  and  very  full 
of  money,  did  also  seeke  his  friendship.  Furthermore,  Diony- 
sius the  tyran  of  Syracusa,  being  weary  to  follow  hope  any 
longer,  and  finding  him  selfe  in  maner  forced  unto  it  by  long 
continuaunce  of  seige : made  no  more  reckoning  of  Icetes, 
when  he  knewe  that  he  was  so  shamefully  overthrowen.  And 
contrariwise,  much  esteeming  Timoleons  valiantnes,  he  sent 
to  advertise  him,  that  he  was  contented  to  yelde  him  selfe  and 
the  castell  into  the  handes  of  the  Corinthians.  Timoleon 
being  glad  of  this  good  happe  unlooked  for,  sent  Euclides 
and  Telemachus,  two  Captaines  of  the  Corinthians,  to  take 
possession  of  the  castell,  with  fowre  hundred  men,  not  all  at 
a tyme,  nor  openly  (for  it  was  unpossible,  the  enemies  lying 
in  wayte  in  the  haven)  but  by  small  companies,  and  by  stelthe, 
he  conveyed  them  all  into  the  castell.  So  the  souldiers  pos- 
sessed the  castell,  and  the  tyrans  pallace,  with  all  the  move- 
ables and  municion  of  warres  within  the  same.  There  were 
a great  number  of  horse  of  service,  great  store  of  staves  and 
weapons  offensive  of  all  sortes,  and  engynes  of  batterie  to 
shoote  farre  of,  and  sundry  other  weapons  of  defence,  that 
had  bene  gathered  together  of  long  tyme,  to  arme  threescore 
and  tenne  thowsand  men.  Moreover,  besides  all  this,  there 
were  two  thowsand  souldiers,  whome  with  all  the  other  thinges 
rehearsed,  Dionysius  delivered  up  into  the  handes  of  Timo- 
leon : and  he  him  selfe,  with  his  money  and  a few  of  his 
friendes,  went  his  way  by  sea,  Icetes  not  knowing  it,  and  so 
came  to  Timoleons  campe.  This  was  the  first  tyme  that  ever 
they  sawe  Dionysius  a private  man,  in  base  and  meane  estate. 
And  yet  within  fewe  dayes  after,  Timoleon  sent  him  from 
thence  unto  Corinthe  in  a shippe,  with  litle  store  of  money. 
256 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

Who  was  borne  and  brought  up  in  the  greatest  and  most  TIMOLEON 

famous  tyrannie,  and  kingdome,  conquered  by  force,  that 

ever  was  in  the  world : and  which  him  selfe  had  kept  by  the 

space  of  tenne  yeares  after  the  death  of  his  father.  Since 

Dion  drave  him  out,  he  had  bene  marvelously  turmoyled  in 

warres,  by  the  space  of  twelve  yeares  : in  which  time,  although 

he  had  done  muche  mischiefe,  yet  he  had  suffered  also  a great 

deale  more.  For  he  sawe  the  death  of  his  sonnes  when  they  The  miseries 

were  men  growen,  and  able  to  serve  and  cary  armor.  He  and  calamities 

saw  his  daughters  ravished  by  force,  and  deflowred  of  their  °he  ^10^sms 

virginitie.  He  saw  his  owne  sister  (who  was  also  his  wife)  y 

first  of  all  shamed,  and  cruelly  handled  in  her  person,  with 

the  greatest  villanies  and  most  vile  partes  done  unto  her, 

that  his  enemies  could  devise : and  afterwards  horribly 

murdered  with  his  children,  and  their  bodies  in  the  end 

throwen  into  the  sea,  as  we  have  more  amply  declared  in 

the  life  of  Dion.  Now  when  Dionysius  was  arryved  in  the 

cittie  of  Corinthe,  every  Graecian  was  wonderfull  desirous  Dionysius 

to  go  see  him,  and  to  talke  with  him.  And  some  went  brought  to 

thither  very  glad  of  his  overthrow,  as  if  they  had  troden  Corinthe. 

him  downe  with  their  feete,  whom  fortune  had  overthrowen, 

so  bitterly  did  they  hate  him.  Other  pittiyng  him  in  their 

heartes,  to  see  so  great  a chaunge,  did  behold  him  as  it  were 

with  a certaine  compassion,  considering  what  great  power, 

secret  and  divine  causes  have  over  mens  weakenes  and  frailtie, 

and  those  thinges  that  daily  passeth  over  our  heades.  For 

the  world  then,  did  never  bring  forth  any  worke  of  nature,  or 

of  mans  hand  so  wonderful,  as  was  this  of  fortune.  Who 

made  the  world  see  a man,  that  before  was  in  maner  Lorde  The  Incon- 

and  Kinge  of  all  Sicile,  sit  then  commonly  in  the  cittie  of  stancie  of 

Corinthe,  talking  with  a vitailer,  or  sitting  a whole  day  in  fortune- 

a perfumers  shoppe,  or  commonly  drinking  in  some  celler  or 

taverne,  or  to  brawle  and  scolde  in  the  middest  of  the 

streetes,  with  common  whores  in  face  of  the  world,  or  els  to 

teach  common  minstrels  in  every  lane  and  alley,  and  to 

dispute  with  them  with  the  best  reason  he  had,  about  the 

harmony  and  musike,  of  the  songs  they  sang  in  the  Theaters. 

Now  some  say  he  did  this,  bicause  he  knew  not  els  how  he 
should  drive  the  time  away,  for  that  in  dede  he  was  of  a 

2 : KK  257 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

TIMOLEON  base  mynde,  and  an  effeminate  person,  given  over  to  all 
dishonest  lusts  and  desires.  Other  are  of  opinion,  he  did 
it  to  be  the  lesse  regarded,  for  feare  lest  the  Corinthians 
should  have  him  in  gealouzy  and  suspicion,  imagining  that 
he  did  take  the  chaunge  and  state  of  his  lyfe  in  grievous 
part,  and  that  he  should  yet  looke  backe,  hoping  for  a tyme 
to  recover  his  state  againe : and  that  for  this  cause  he  did  it, 
and  of  purpose  fained  many  thinges  against  his  nature, 
seeming  to  be  a starke  nideotte,  to  see  him  do  those  thinges 
he  did.  Some  notwithstanding  have  gathered  together 
certaine  of  his  answers,  which  doe  testifie  that  he  did  not  all 
these  thinges  of  a base  brutish  mynde,  but  to  fitte  himselfe 
onely  to  his  present  misery  and  misfortune.  For  when  he 
came  to  Leucades,  an  auncient  cittie  built  by  the  Corin- 
thians, as  was  also  the  citty  of  Syracusa:  he  told  the 
Notable  inhabitants  of  the  same,  that  he  was  like  to  yong  boyes  that 
sayings  of  had  done  a fault.  For  as  they  flye  from  their  fathers  being 

Dionysius  ashamed  to  come  in  their  sight,  and  are  gladder  to  be  with 

Syracusan.  their  brethren  : even  so  is  it  with  me,  said  he : for  it  would 
please  me  better  to  dwell  here  with  you,  then  to  go  to 
Corinthe  our  head  citty.  Another  tyme,  being  at  Corinthe, 
a stranger  was  very  busie  with  him,  (knowing  how  familiar 
Dionysius  was  with  learned  men  and  Philosophers,  while  he 
raigned  in  Syracusa)  and  asked  him  in  the  ende  in  derision : 
what  benefite  he  got  by  Platoes  wisedome  and  knowledge  ? 
Thebenefiteof  he  answered  him  againe : How  thinkest  thou,  hath  it  done 
Philosophy.  me  no  good,  when  thou  seest  me  beare  so  paciently  this 
change  of  fortune?  Aristoxenus  a musitian,  and  other, 
asking  him  what  offence  Plato  had  done  unto  him  : he 
answered : That  tyrans  state  is  ever  unfortunate,  and 
subject  to  many  evills : but  yet  no  evill  in  their  state  was 
comparable  to  this.  That  none  of  all  those  they  take  to 
be  their  most  familiars,  dare  once  tell  them  truely  any  thing  : 
and  that  through  their  fault,  he  left  Platoes  company. 
Another  tyme  there  commeth  a pleasaunt  fellow  to  him, 
and  thinking  to  mocke  him  finely,  as  he  entred  into  his 
chamber,  he  shooke  his  gowne,  as  the  manner  is  when  they 
or  not  to  come  come  to  tyrans,  to  shewe  that  they  have  no  weapons  under 
nere  them.  their  gownes.  But  Dionysius  encountred  him  as  pleasantly, 
258 


A tyranes 
state  un- 
fortunate. 

This  agreeth 
with  JEsops 
wordes  to 
Solon,  who 
wished  him 
comming  to 
princes,  to 
please  them. 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

saying  to  him  : Do  that  when  thou  goest  hence,  to  se  if  thou  TIMOLEON 
hast  stollen  nothing.  And  again,  Philip  King  of  Macedon,  See  Solons 
at  his  table  one  day  discending  into  talke  of  songs,  verse,  life,  and  his 
and  tragedies,  which  Dionysius  his  father  had  made,  ^swer  to 
making  as  though  he  wondred  at  them,  how  possibly  he  sop‘ 
could  have  leisure  to  do  them  : he  answered  him  very  trimly, 
and  to  good  purpose.  He  did  them  even  at  such  tymes 
(quod  he)  as  you  and  I,  and  all  other  great  Lordes  whom 
they  recken  happy,  are  disposed  to  be  drunke,  and  play  the 
fooles.  Now  for  Plato,  he  never  saw  Dionysius  at  Corinthe. 

But  Diogenes  Sinopian,  the  first  tyme  that  ever  he  met 
with  Dionysius,  sayd  unto  him  : O,  how  unworthy  art  thou  Diogenes 
of  this  state.  Dionysius  stayed  sodainely,  and  replied : saym£ 
Truly  I thanke  thee  (Diogenes)  that  thou  hast  compassion  the  tyrane 
of  my  misery.  Why  sayd  Diogenes  againe : Doest  thou 
thinke  I pitty  thee  P Nay  it  spiteth  me  rather  to  see  such 
a slave  as  thou  (worthy  to  dye  in  the  wicked  state  of  a 
tyrant  like  thy  father)  to  lyve  in  such  securitie,  and  idle 
lyfe,  as  thou  leadest  amongst  us.  When  I came  to  com- 
pare these  wordes  of  Diogenes,  with  Philistus  wordes  the 
Historiographer,  bewailing  the  harde  fortune  of  the  daughters 
of  the  Leptines,  saying  that  they  were  brought  from  the 
toppe  of  all  worldly  felicity,  honor,  and  goodes,  (whereof 
tyrannicall  state  aboundeth)  unto  a base,  private,  and 
humble  life  : me  thinkes  they  are  the  proper  lamentations  of 
a woman,  that  soroweth  for  the  losse  of  her  boxes  of  paint- 
ing cullers,  or  for  her  purple  gownes,  or  for  other  suche 
prety  fine  trimmes  of  golde,  as  women  use  to  weare.  So, 
me  thinkes  these  things  I have  intermingled  concerning 
Dionysius,  are  not  impartinent  to  the  description  of  our 
lives,  neither  are  they  troublesom  nor  unprofitable  to  the 
hearers,  oneles  they  have  other  hasty  busines  to  let  or 
trouble  them.  But  now  if  the  tyraunt  Dionysius  wretched  Timoleons 
state  seeme  straunge,  Timoleons  prosperitie  then  was  no  prosperitie. 
lesse  wonderfull.  For  within  fiftie  dayes  after  he  had  set 
foote  in  Sicile,  he  had  the  castel  of  Syracusa  in  his  possession, 
and  sent  Dionysius  as  an  exile  to  Corinthe.  This  did  set 
the  Corinthians  in  suche  a jollitie,  that  they  sent  him  a 
supply  of  two  thousand  footemen,  and  two  hundred  horse- 

259 


TIMOLEON 


Icetes  hiereth 
two  souldiers 
to  kill  Timo- 
leon  at  Adra- 
nus. 


The  treason 
discovered  to 
Timoleon  by 
one  of  the 
souldiers. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

men,  which  were  appointed  to  land  in  Italie,  in  the  countrie 
of  the  Thurians.  And  perceyving  that  they  could  not 
possiblie  goe  from  thence  into  Sicile,  bicause  the  Cartha- 
ginians kept  the  seas  with  a great  navie  of  shippes,  and 
that  thereby  they  were  compelled  to  staye  for  better 
oportunitie : in  the  meane  time  they  bestowed  their  leysure 
in  doing  a notable  good  acte.  For  the  Thurians,  being  in 
warres  at  that  time  with  the  Brutians,  they  dyd  put  their 
cittie  into  their  hands,  which  they  kept  very  faithfully  and 
friendly,  as  it  had  bene  their  owne  native  countrie.  Icetes  all 
this  while  dyd  besiege  the  castell  of  Syracusa,  preventing  all 
he  could  possible,  that  there  should  come  no  corne  by  sea 
unto  the  Corinthians  that  kept  within  the  castell : and 
he  had  hiered  two  straunge  souldiers,  which  he  sent  unto 
the  cittie  of  Adranus,  to  kill  Timoleon  by  treason,  who  kept 
no  garde  about  his  persone,  and  continued  amongest  the 
Adranitans,  mistrusting  nothing  in  the  world,  for  the  trust 
and  confidence  he  had  in  the  safegard  of  the  god  of  the 
Adranitans.  These  souldiers  being  sent  to  do  this  murther, 
were  by  chaunce  enformed  that  Timoleon  should  one  day  do 
sacrifice  unto  this  god.  So  apon  this,  they  came  into  the 
temple,  having  daggers  under  their  gownes,  and  by  litle  and 
litle  thrust  in  through  the  prease,  that  they  got  at  the 
length  hard  to  the  aulter.  But  at  the  present  time  as  one 
encoraged  another  to  dispatche  the  matter,  a third  persone 
they  thought  not  of,  gave  one  of  the  two  a great  cut  in  the 
head  with  his  sworde,  that  he  fell  to  the  grounde.  The  man 
that  had  hurte  him  thus,  fled  straight  upon  it,  with  his 
sworde  drawen  in  his  hande,  and  recovered  the  toppe  of  a 
highe  rocke.  The  other  souldier  that  came  with  him,  and 
that  was  not  hurte,  got  holde  of  a corner  of  the  aulter,  and 
besought  pardone  of  Timoleon,  and  told  him  he  would 
discover  the  treason  practised  against  him.  Timoleon  there- 
upon pardoned  him.  Then  he  told  him  howe  his  companion 
that  was  slaine,  and  him  selfe,  were  both  hiered,  and  sent  to 
kill  him.  In  the  meane  time,  they  brought  him  also  that 
had  taken  the  rocke,  who  cried  out  alowde,  he  had  done 
no  more  then  he  should  doe : for  he  had  killed  him  that  had 
slaine  his  owne  father  before,  in  the  cittie  of  the  Leontines. 

260 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

And  to  justifie  this  to  be  true,  certaine  that  stoode  by  dyd 
affirme,  it  was  so  in  deede.  Whereat  they  wondred  greatly 
to  consider  the  marvelous  working  of  fortune,  howe  she 
doth  bring  one  thing  to  passe  by  meanes  of  another,  and 
gathereth  all  things  together,  howe  farre  a sonder  soever 
they  be,  and  linketh  them  together,  though  they  seeme  to 
be  cleane  contrary  one  to  another,  with  no  manner  of  like- 
nes  or  conjunction  betwene  them,  making  the  ende  of  the 
one,  to  be  the  beginning  of  another.  The  Corinthians 
examining  this  matter  throughly,  gave  him  that  slue  the 
souldier  with  his  sworde,  a crowne  of  the  value  of  tenne 
minas,  bicause  that  by  meanes  of  his  juste  anger,  he  had  done 
good  service  to  the  God  that  had  preserved  Timoleon.  And 
furthermore,  this  good  happe  did  not  only  serve  the  present 
turne,  but  was  to  good  purpose  ever  after.  For  those  that 
sawe  it,  were  putte  in  better  hope,  and  had  thenceforth 
more  care  and  regard  unto  Timoleons  persone,  bicause  he 
was  a holy  man,  one  that  loved  the  goddes,  and  that  was 
purposely  sent  to  deliver  Sicile  from  captivitie.  But  Icetes 
having  missed  his  first  purpose,  and  seeing  numbers  daylie 
drawen  to  Timoleons  devotion : he  was  mad  with  him  self, 
that  having  so  great  an  armie  of  the  Carthaginians  at  hand 
at  his  commaundement,  he  tooke  but  a fewe  of  them  to  serve 
his  turne,  as  if  he  had  bene  ashamed  of  his  facte,  and  had 
used  their  frendshippe  by  stelth.  So  he  sent  hereupon  for 
Mago  their  general!,  with  all  his  fleete.  Mago  at  his 
request  brought  an  huge  army  to  see  to,  of  a hundred  and 
fiftie  sayle,  which  occupied  and  covered  all  the  haven : and 
afterwards  landed  three  score  thousand  men,  whom  he 
lodged  every  man  within  the  cittie  of  Syracusa.  Then  every 
man  imagined  the  time  was  now  come,  which  olde  men  had 
threatned  Sicile  with  many  yeres  before,  and  that  continually : 
that  one  day  it  shoud  be  conquered,  and  inhabited  by  the 
barbarous  people.  For  in  all  the  warres  the  Carthaginians 
ever  had  before  in  the  countrie  of  Sicile,  they  could  never 
come  to  take  the  cittie  of  Syracusa : and  then  through  Icetes 
treason,  who  had  receyved  them,  they  were  seene  encamped 
there.  On  thother  side,  the  Corinthians  that  were  within 
the  castell,  founde  them  selves  in  great  distresse,  bicause  their 

261 


TIMOLEON 

The  wonder- 
full  worke  of 
fortune. 


Icetes  bring- 
eth  Mago  a 
Carthaginian 
with  a great 
army  to  Syra- 
cusa. 


TIMOLEON 


Leon  captaine 
of  the  Corin- 
thians within 
the  castell. 


Leon  wanne 
Acradina. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

vittells  waxed  scant,  and  the  haven  was  so  straightly  kept. 
Moreover,  they  were  driven  to  be  armed  continually  to  de- 
fend the  walles,  which  the  enemies  battered,  and  assaulted 
in  sundry  places,  with  all  kyndes  of  engines  of  batterie, 
and  sundry  sortes  of  devised  instruments  and  inventions  to 
take  citties : by  reason  whereof,  they  were  compelled  also 
to  devide  them  selves  into  many  companies.  Nevertheles, 
Timoleon  without,  gave  them  all  the  ayde  he  could  possible : 
sending  them  corne  from  Catana,  in  litle  fisher  botes  and 
small  crayers,  which  got  into  the  castell  many  times,  but 
specially  in  storme  and  fowle  weather,  passing  by  the  gallyes 
of  the  barbarous  people,  that  laye  scatteringly  one  from 
another,  dispersed  abroad  by  tempest,  and  great  billowes 
of  the  sea.  But  Mago  and  Icetes  finding  this,  determined 
to  goe  take  the  cittie  of  Catana,  from  whence  those  of  the 
castell  of  Syracusa  were  vittelled  : and  taking  with  them  the 
best  souldiers  of  all  their  armie,  they  departed  from  Syracusa, 
and  sayled  towardes  Catana.  Nowe  in  the  meane  space, 
Leon  Corinthian,  captaine  of  all  those  that  were  within 
the  castell,  perceyving  the  enemies  within  the  cittie  kept 
but  slender  warde : made  a sodaine  salie  out  apon  them, 
and  taking  them  un wares,  slue  a great  number  at  the  first 
charge,  and  drave  awaye  the  other.  So  by  this  occasion 
he  wanne  a quarter  of  the  cittie,  which  they  call  Acradina, 
and  was  the  best  parte  of  the  cittie,  that  had  receyved  least 
hurte.  For  the  cittie  of  Syracusa  seemeth  to  be  built  of 
many  townes  joyned  together.  So  having  found  there  great 
plenty  of  corne,  golde,  and  silver,  he  would  not  forsake  that 
quarter  no  more,  nor  retume  againe  into  the  castell : but 
fortifying  with  all  diligence  the  compasse  and  precinct  of 
the  same,  and  joyning  it  unto  the  castell  with  certen  forti- 
fications he  built  up  in  haste,  he  determined  to  keepe  both 
the  one  and  the  other.  Now  were  Mago  and  Icetes  very 
neere  unto  Catana,  when  a post  overtooke  them,  purposely 
sent  from  Syracusa  unto  them : who  brought  them  newes, 
that  the  Acradina  was  taken.  Whereat  they  both  wondred, 
and  returned  backe  againe  with  all  speede  possible  (having 
failed  of  their  purpose  they  pretended)  to  keepe  that  they 
had  yet  left  in  their  handes.  Now  for  that  matter,  it  is  yet 
262 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

a question,  whether  we  should  impute  it  unto  wisedome  and 
valliancie,  or  unto  good  fortune : but  the  thing  I will  tell 
you  now,  in  my  opinion,  is  altogether  to  be  ascribed  unto 
fortune.  And  this  it  is.  The  two  thousand  footemen  and 
two  hundred  horsemen  of  the  Corinthians,  that  remained  in 
the  cittie  of  the  Thurians,  partly  for  feare  of  the  gallyes  of 
the  Carthaginians  that  laye  in  wayte  for  them  as  they  should 
passe,  Hanno  being  their  admirall : and  partly  also  for  that 
the  sea  was  very  rough  and  highe  many  dayes  together, 
and  was  allwayes  in  storme  and  tempest : in  the  ende,  they 
ventured  to  goe  through  the  countrie  of  the  Brutians.  And 
partly  with  their  good  will  (but  rather  by  force)  they  got 
through,  and  recovered  the  cittie  of  Rhegio,  the  sea  being 
yet  marvelous  highe  and  rough.  Hanno  the  admirall  of 
the  Carthaginians,  looking  no  more  then  for  their  passage, 
thought  with  him  selfe  that  he  had  devised  a marvelous  fine 
policie,  to  deceyve  the  enemies.  Thereuppon  he  willed  all 
his  men  to  put  garlands  of  flowers  of  triumphe  upon  their 
heades,  and  therewithall  also  made  them  dresse  up,  and  set 
forth  his  gallyes,  with  targets,  corselets,  and  brigantines 
after  the  Graecians  facion.  So  in  this  bravery  he  returned 
backe  againe,  sailing  towards  Syracusa,  and  came  in  with 
force  of  owers,  rowing  under  the  castells  side  of  Syracusa, 
with  great  laughing,  and  clapping  of  hands : crying  out 
alowde  to  them  that  were  in  the  castell,  that  he  had  over- 
throwen  their  ayde  which  came  from  Corinthe,  as  they  thought 
to  passe  by  the  coast  of  Italie  into  Sicile,  flattering  them 
selves,  that  this  dyd  muche  discorage  those  that  were  besieged. 
But  whilest  he  sported  thus  with  his  fonde  devise,  the  two 
thousand  Corinthians  being  arrived  through  the  countrie  of 
the  Brutians  in  the  citie  of  Rhegio,  perceyving  the  coaste 
cleare,  and  that  the  passage  by  sea  was  not  kept,  and  that 
the  raging  seas  were  by  miracle  (as  it  were)  made  of  purpose 
calme  for  them : they  tooke  seas  forthwith  in  such  fisher 
boates  and  passengers  as  they  found  readie,  in  the  which 
they  went  into  Sicile,  in  suche  good  safety,  as  they  drue 
their  horse  (holding  them  by  the  raynes)  alongest  their 
boates  with  them.  When  they  were  all  passed  over,  Timoleon 
having  received  them,  went  immediatly  to  take  Messina,  and 

263 


TIMOLEON 

Contention  of 
fortune  and 
valliancie. 


The  strata- 
geame  of 
Hanno  the 
admirall  of 
the  Cartha- 
ginians. 


TIMOLEON 

Timoleon 
marcheth  to 
Syracusa. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

marching  thence  in  battell  raye,  tooke  his  way  towards 
Syracusa,  trusting  better  to  his  good  fortune,  then  to  his 
force  he  had  : for  his  whole  number  in  all,  were  not  above 
foure  thowsand  fighting  men.  Notwithstanding,  Mago  hear- 
ing of  his  comming,  quaked  for  feare,  and  dowted  the  more 
upon  this  occasion.  About  Syracusa  are  certeyne  marishes, 
that  receive  great  quantitie  of  sweete  fresh  water,  aswell  of 
fountaynes  and  springes,  as  also  of  litle  ronning  brookes, 
lakes,  and  rivers,  which  ronne  that  wayes  towards  the  sea : 
and  therefore  there  are  great  store  of  eeles  in  that  place, 
and  the  fishing  is  great  there  at  all  tymes,  but  specially  for 
such  as  delite  to  take  eeles.  Whereuppon  the  Graecians  that 
tooke  paye  on  both  sides,  when  they  had  leysure,  and  that 
all  was  quiet  betwene  them,  they  intended  fishing.  Now, 
they  being  all  contrey  men,  and  of  one  language,  had  no 
private  quarrell  one  with  an  other:  but  when  tyme  was 
to  fight,  they  did  their  duties,  and  in  tyme  of  peace  also 
frequented  familiarly  togither,  and  one  spake  with  an  other, 
and  specially  when  they  were  busie  fishing  for  eeles : saying, 
that  they  marvelled  at  the  scituacion  of  the  goodly  places 
thereabouts,  and  that  they  stoode  so  pleasauntly  and  com- 
modious apon  the  sea  side.  So  one  of  the  souldiers  that 
served  under  the  Corinthians,  chaunced  to  say  unto  them : 
Is  it  possible  that  you  that  be  Graecians  borne,  and  have 
so  goodly  a citie  of  your  owne,  and  full  of  so  many  goodly 
commodities : that  ye  will  give  it  uppe  unto  these  barbarous 
people,  the  vile  Carthaginians,  and  most  cruell  murderers  of 
the  worlde  ? where  you  should  rather  wishe  that  there  were 
many  Sicilies  betwixt  them  and  Greece.  Have  ye  so  litle  con- 
sideration or  judgement  to  thinke,  that  they  have  assembled 
an  armie  out  of  all  Africke,  unto  Hercules  pillers,  and  to 
the  sea  Atlanticke,  to  come  hether  to  fight  to  stablish  Icetes 
tyrannie  ? who,  if  he  had  bene  a wise  and  skilfull  Captaine, 
would  not  have  cast  out  his  auncestors  and  founders,  to 
bringe  into  his  contrye  the  auncient  enemies  of  the  same : 
but  might  have  received  such  honor  and  authoritie  of  the 
Corinthians  and  Timoleon,  as  he  could  reasonably  have  de- 
sired, and  that  with  all  their  favor  and  good  wil.  The 
souldiers  that  heard  this  tale,  reported  it  agayne  in  their 

264 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

campe  : Insomuch  they  made  Mago  suspect  there  was  treason 
in  hand,  and  so  sought  some  culler  to  be  gon.  But  here- 
uppon,  notwithstanding  that  Icetes  prayed  him  all  he  could 
to  tary,  declaring  unto  him  how  much  they  were  stronger 
then  their  enemies,  and  that  Timoleon  did  rather  prevayle  by 
his  hardines  and  good  fortune,  then  exceede  him  in  number 
of  men:  yet  he  hoysed  sayle,  and  returned  with  shame  enough 
into  Africke,  letting  slyppe  the  conquest  of  all  Sicile  out  of 
his  handes,  without  any  sight  of  reason  or  cause  at  all.  The 
next  day  after  he  was  gone,  Timoleon  presented  battell 
before  the  citie,  when  the  Grecians  and  he  understoode 
that  the  Carthaginians  were  fled,  and  that  they  saw  the 
haven  ryd  of  all  the  shippes : and  then  beganne  to  jeast 
at  Magoes  cowardlines,  and  in  derision  proclaymed  in  the 
citie,  that  they  would  give  him  a good  reward  that  could 
bringe  them  newes,  whether  the  armie  of  the  Carthaginians 
were  fled.  But  for  all  this,  Icetes  was  bent  to  fight,  and 
woulde  not  leave  the  spoyle  he  had  gotten,  but  defende 
the  quarters  of  the  citie  he  had  possessed,  at  the  swordes 
poynt,  trusting  to  the  strength  and  scituacion  of  the  places, 
which  were  hardly  to  be  approached.  Timoleon  perceyving 
that,  devided  his  armie,  and  he  with  one  parte  thereof  did 
sett  upon  that  side  which  was  the  hardest  to  approache,  and 
did  stand  upon  the  river  of  Anapus  : then  he  appoynted  an 
other  part  of  his  armie  to  assault  all  at  one  time,  the  side 
of  Acradina,  whereof  Isias  Corinthian  had  the  leading.  The 
thirde  parte  of  his  armie  that  came  last  from  Corinthe,  which 
Dinarchus  and  Demaratus  led : he  appoynted  to  assault  the 
quarter  called  Epipoles.  Thus,  assault  being  given  on  all 
sides  at  one  time,  Icetes  bandes  of  men  were  broken,  and 
ranne  their  way.  Now  that  the  citie  was  thus  wonne  by 
assault,  and  come  so  sodaynely  to  the  handes  of  Timoleon, 
and  the  enemies  being  fled : it  is  good  reason  we  ascribe  it 
to  the  valiantnes  of  the  souldiers,  and  the  captaines  great 
wisedom.  But  where  there  was  not  one  Corinthian  slayne, 
nor  hurt  in  this  assault : sure  me  thinkes  herein,  it  was 
onely  the  worke  and  deede  of  fortune,  that  did  favor  and 
protect  Timoleon,  to  contende  against  his  valiantnes.  To 
the  ende  that  those  which  should  hereafter  heare  of  his 
2 : LL  265 


TIMOLEON 


Mago  forsak- 
eth  Sicile 
upon  suspect 
of  treason. 


Anapus  fl. 


Timoleon 
wynneth  the 
citie  of 
Syracusa. 


TIMOLEON 


Timoleon 
overthroweth 
the  castell  of 
Syracusa. 


Timoleon 
made  Syra- 
cusa a popular 
government. 


The  miserable 
state  of  Sicile. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

doings,  should  have  more  occasion  to  wonder  at  his 
good  happe : then  to  prayse  and  commend  his  valiantnes. 
For  the  fame  of  this  great  exployte,  did  in  few  dayes 
not  onely  ronne  through  all  Italye,  but  also  through 
all  Greece.  Insomuch  as  the  Corinthians,  (who  could 
scant  beleeve  their  men  were  passed  with  safetie  into 
Sicile)  understoode  withall  that  they  were  safely  arrived 
there,  and  had  gotten  the  victorie  of  their  enemies  : so 
prosperous  was  their  jorney,  and  fortune  so  spedely  did 
favor  his  noble  actes.  Timoleon  having  now  the  castell  of 
Syracusa  in  his  hands,  did  not  followe  Dion.  For  he  spared 
not  the  castell  for  the  beawtie  and  stately  building  thereof, 
but  avoyding  the  suspicion  that  caused  Dion  first  to  be 
accused,  and  lastly  to  be  slayne : he  caused  it  to  be  pro- 
claymed  by  trompett,  that  any  Syracusan  whatsoever,  should 
come  with  crowes  of  iron,  and  mattocks,  to  helpe  to  digge 
downe  and  overthrow  the  forte  of  the  tyrans.  There  was 
not  a man  in  all  the  citie  of  Syracusa,  but  went  thither 
straight,  and  thought  that  proclamacion  and  day  to  be  a 
most  happy  beginning,  of  the  recoverie  of  their  libertie.  So 
they  did  not  onely  overthrowe  the  castell,  but  the  pallace 
also,  and  the  tombes  : and  generally  all  that  served  in 
any  respect  for  the  memorie  of  any  of  the  tyrans.  And 
having  cleared  the  place  in  fewe  dayes,  and  made  all 
playne : Timoleon  at  the  sute  of  the  Citizens,  made  coun- 
sell halls,  and  places  of  justice  to  be  built  there : and  did  by 
this  meanes  stablish  a free  state  and  popular  government, 
and  did  suppresse  all  tyrannicall  power.  Nowe,  when  he 
sawe  he  had  wonne  a citie  that  had  no  inhabitants,  which 
warres  before  had  consumed,  and  feare  of  tyrannie  had 
emptied,  so  as  grasse  grewe  so  highe  and  rancke  in  the  great 
markett  place  of  Syracusa,  as  they  grased  their  horses  there, 
and  the  horsekeepers  laye  downe  by  them  on  the  grasse  as 
they  fed  : and  that  all  the  cities,  a fewe  excepted,  were  full  of 
redde  deare  and  wilde  bores,  so  that  men  geven  to  delite  in 
hunting,  having  leysure,  might  finde  game  many  tymes  within 
the  suburbes  and  towne  dytches,  hard  by  the  walles  : and 
that  such  as  dwelt  in  castells  and  stronge  holdes  in  the 
contrye,  would  not  leave  them,  to  come  and  dwell  in  cities, 
266 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

by  reason  they  were  all  growen  so  stowte,  and  did  so  hate  TIMOLEON 
and  detest  assemblies  of  counsell,  orations,  and  order  of 
government,  where  so  many  tyrans  had  reigned.  Timoleon 
thereuppon  seeing  this  desolacion,  and  also  so  fewe  Syra- 
cusans borne  that  had  escaped,  thought  good,  and  all  his 
Captaines,  to  write  to  the  Corinthians,  to  send  people  out 
of  Greece  to  inhabite  the  citie  of  Syracusa  agayne.  For 
otherwise  the  contrye  would  growe  barren  and  unprofitable, 
if  the  grounde  were  not  plowed.  Besides,  that  they  looked 
also  for  great  warres  out  of  Africke : being  advertised  that 
the  Carthaginians  had  honge  up  the  body  of  Mago  their  Mago  slue 
general  upon  a crosse  (who  had  slayne  him  selfe  for  that  he  him  selfe, 
could  not  aunswere  the  dishonor  layed  to  his  charge)  and  ^^nswer** 
that  they  did  leavy  another  great  mightie  armie,  to  returne  departure 
againe  the  next  yere  following,  to  make  warres  in  Sicile.  0ut  of  Sicile. 
These  letters  of  Timoleon  being  brought  unto  Corinthe,  and 
the  Embassadors  of  Syracusa  being  arrived  with  them  also, 
who  besought  the  people  to  take  care  and  protection  over 
their  poore  citie,  and  that  they  would  once  againe  be  fown- 
ders  of  the  same  : the  Corinthians  did  not  gredily  desire  to 
be  Lordes  of  so  goodly  and  great  a citie,  but  first  pro- 
claymed  by  the  trompett  in  all  the  assemblies,  solemne 
feastes,  and  common  playes  of  Greece,  that  the  Corinthians 
having  destroyed  the  tirannie  that  was  in  the  citie  of  Syra- 
cusa, and  driven  out  the  tyrannes,  did  call  the  Syracusans 
that  were  fugitives  out  of  their  contrye,  home  againe,  and  all 
other  Sicilians  that  liked  to  come  and  dwell  there,  to  enjoy  all 
freedom  and  libertie,  with  promise  to  make  just  and  equall 
division  of  the  landes  among  them,  the  one  to  have  as  much 
as  the  other.  Moreover  they  sent  out  postes  and  messengers 
into  Asia,  and  into  all  the  Hands  where  they  understoode 
the  banished  Syracusans  remayned : to  perswade  and  in- 
treat them  to  come  to  Corinthe,  and  that  the  Corinthians 
would  give  them  shippes,  Captaines,  and  meanes  to  conduct 
them  safely  unto  Syracusa,  at  their  owne  proper  costes  and 
charges.  In  recompence  whereof,  the  citie  of  Corinthe  re- 
ceaved  every  mans  most  noble  praise  and  blessing,  aswell  for 
delivering  Sicile  in  that  sorte  from  the  bondage  of  tyrannes  : 
as  also  for  keeping  it  out  of  the  handes  of  the  barbarous 

367 


TIMOLEON 


The  Corinth- 
ians replen- 
ished the 
citie  of  Syra- 
cuse with 
three  score 
thowsand  in- 
habitants. 


Leptines, 
tyran  of  Apol- 
lonia,  yelded 
to  Timoleon. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

people,  and  restored  the  naturall  Syracusans,  and  Sicilians,  to 
their  home  and  contrye  againe.  Nevertheles,  such  Sicilians 
as  repayred  to  Corinthe  apon  this  proclamacion  (them  selves 
being  but  a small  number  to  inhabite  the  contrye)  besought 
the  Corinthians  to  joyne  to  them  some  other  inhabitantes, 
as  well  of  Corinthe  it  selfe,  as  out  of  the  rest  of  Greece  : the 
which  was  performed.  For  they  gathered  together  about 
tenne  thowsand  persons,  whom  they  shipped,  and  sent  to 
Syracusa.  Where  there  were  already  a great  number  of 
other  comen  unto  Timoleon,  aswell  out  of  Sicile  it  self,  as 
out  of  al  Italie  besides : so  that  the  whole  number  (as  Athanis 
writeth)  came  to  three  score  thowsand  persons.  Amongst 
them  he  devided  the  whole  contrye,  and  sold  them  houses  of 
the  citie,  unto  the  value  of  a thowsand  talents.  And  bicause 
he  would  leave  the  olde  Syracusans  able  to  recover  their 
owne,  and  make  the  poore  people  by  this  meanes  to  have 
money  in  common,  to  defraye  the  common  charges  of  the 
citie,  as  also  their  expences  in  time  of  warres  : the  statues  or 
images  were  solde,  and  the  people  by  most  voyces  did  con- 
demne  them.  For  they  were  solemly  indited,  accused,  and 
arraigned,  as  if  they  had  bene  men  alive  to  be  condemned. 
And  it  is  reported  that  the  Syracusans  did  reserve  the 
statue  of  Gelon,  an  auncient  tyranne  of  their  citie,  honoring 
his  memorie,  bicause  ©f  a great  victorie  he  had  wonne  of 
the  Carthaginians,  neare  the  citie  of  Himera : and  con- 
demned all  the  rest  to  be  taken  away  out  of  every  corner 
of  the  citie,  and  to  be  sold.  Thus  beganne  the  citie  of 
Syracusa  to  replenishe  againe,  and  by  litle  and  litle  to  re- 
cover it  selfe,  many  people  comming  thither  from  all  partes 
to  dwell  there.  Thereupon  Timoleon  thought  to  set  all 
other  cities  at  libertie  also,  and  utterly  to  roote  out  all  the 
tyrans  of  Sicile,  and  to  obteyne  his  purpose,  he  went  to 
make  warres  with  them  at  their  owne  dores.  The  first  he 
went  against,  was  Icetes : whome  he  compelled  to  forsake 
the  league  of  the  Carthaginians,  and  to  promise  also  that 
he  would  rase  all  the  fortresses  he  kept,  and  to  live  like  a 
private  man  within  the  citie  of  the  Leontines.  Leptines 
in  like  maner,  that  was  tyran  of  the  citie  of  Apollonia,  and 
of  many  other  litle  villages  thereabouts : when  he  saw  him 
268  " 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

selfe  in  daunger  to  be  taken  by  force,  did  yeld  him  selfe.  TIMOLEON 
Whereupon  Timoleon  saved  his  life,  and  sent  him  unto 
Corinthe : thinking  it  honorable  for  his  contrye,  that  the 
other  Graecians  should  see  the  tyrans  of  Sicile  in  their  chiefe 
citie  of  fame,  living  meanely  and  poorely  like  banished  people. 

When  he  had  brought  this  to  passe,  he  returned  forthwith  to 
Syracusa  about  thestablishment  of  the  common  weale,  assist- 
ing Cephalus  and  Dionysius,  two  notable  men  sent  from 
Corinthe  to  reforme  the  lawes,  and  to  helpe  them  to  stab- 
lishe  the  goodliest  ordinaunces  for  their  common  weale. 

And  now  in  the  meane  time,  bicause  the  souldiers  had  a 
minde  to  get  some  thing  of  their  enemies,  and  to  avoyd 
idlenes  : he  sent  them  out  abroade  to  a contrye  subject  to 
the  Carthaginians,  under  the  charge  of  Dimarchus,  and 
Demaratus.  Where  they  made  many  litle  townes  rebell 
against  the  barbarous  people,  and  did  not  onely  live  in  all 
aboundance  of  wealth,  but  they  gathered  money  together 
also  to  mainteyne  the  warres.  The  Carthaginians  on 
thother  side,  while  they  were  busy  about  the  matters,  came  Thearmieand 
downe  into  Lilybea,  with  an  armie  of  three  score  and  tenne  shippes  of  the 
thowsand  men,  two  hundred  gallyes,  and  a thowsand  other  ^ a^n^TimoS 
shippes  and  vessells  that  caried  engines  of  batterie,  cartes,  Asdrubal 
vittells,  municion,  and  other  necessary  provision  for  a campe,  an(i  Amilcar 
intending  to  make  sporting  warres  no  more,  but  at  once  to  being  gene- 
drive  all  the  Graecians  againe  quite  out  of  Sicile.  For  in  ra^s* 
deede  it  was  an  able  armie  to  overcome  all  the  Sicilians,  if  they 
had  bene  whole  of  them  selves,  and  not  divided.  Now  they 
being  advertised  that  the  Sicilians  had  invaded  their  contrye, 
they  went  towards  them  in  great  furie,  led  by  Asdrubal  and 
Amilcar,  generalls  of  the  armie.  This  newes  was  straight 
brought  to  Syracusa,  and  the  inhabitants  were  so  striken 
with  feare  of  the  report  of  their  armie : that  being  a mar- 
velous great  number  of  them  within  the  citie,  scant  three 
thowsand  of  them  had  the  hartes  to  arme  them  selves,  and 
to  goe  to  the  fielde  with  Timoleon.  Now  the  straungers  that 
tooke  pay,  were  not  above  foure  thowsand  in  all : and  of 
them,  a thowsand  of  their  hartes  fayled,  and  left  him  in 
midd  way,  and  returned  home  againe.  Saying,  that  Timo- 
leon was  out  of  his  wittes,  and  more  rashe  then  his  yeares 

269 


TIMOLEON 


Timoleon 
went  with 
6000  men 
against  the 
Cartha- 
ginians. 

Crimesus  fl. 


Smallage  an 
ill  signe. 


Proverbe. 


Garlandes  of 
smallage. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

required,  to  undertake  with  five  thowsand  footemen,  and  a 
thowsand  horse,  to  goe  against  threescore  and  tenne  thow- 
sand men  : and  besides,  to  cary  that  small  force  he  had  to 
defend  him  selfe  withal,  eight  great  dayes  jorney  from  Syra- 
cusa.  So,  that  if  it  chaunced  they  were  compelled  to  flye, 
they  had  no  place  whether  they  might  retyre  them  selves 
unto  with  safetie,  nor  man  that  woulde  take  care  to  burye 
them,  when  they  were  slayne.  Nevertheles,  Timoleon  was 
glad  he  had  that  proofe  of  them,  before  he  came  to  battell. 
Moreover,  having  incoraged  those  that  remayned  with  him, 
he  made  them  marche  with  speed e towards  the  river  of 
Crimesus,  where  he  understoode  he  should  meete  with  the 
Carthaginians.  So  getting  up  upon  a litle  hil,  from  whence 
he  might  se  the  campe  of  the  enemies  on  the  other  side  : 
by  chaunce,  certen  moyles  fell  apon  his  armie  loden  with 
smallage.  The  souldiers  tooke  a conceyt  at  the  first  apon 
sight  of  it,  and  thought  it  was  a token  of  ill  lucke : bi- 
cause it  is  a maner  we  use,  to  hange  garlands  of  this  erbe, 
about  the  tombes  of  the  dead.  Hereof  came  the  common 
proverbe  they  use  to  speake,  when  one  lyeth  a passing  in  his 
bed  : he  lacketh  but  smallage.  Asmuch  to  say,  he  is  but  a 
dead  man.  But  Timoleon  to  draw  them  from  this  foolish 
superstition,  and  discorage  they  tooke,  stayed  the  armie. 
And  when  he  had  used  certen  perswasions  unto  them,  accord- 
ing to  the  time,  his  leysure,  and  occasion : he  told  them  that 
the  garland  of  it  selfe  came  to  offer  them  victorie  before 
hand.  For,  sayd  he,  the  Corinthians  doe  crowne  them  that 
winne  the  Istmian  games  (which  are  celebrated  in  their 
contrye)  with  garlands  of  smallage.  And  at  that  time  also 
even  in  the  solemne  Istmian  games,  they  used  the  garland  of 
smallage  for  reward  and  token  of  victorie  : and  at  this  present 
it  is  also  used  in  the  games  of  Nemea.  And  it  is  but  lately 
taken  up,  that  they  have  used  braunches  of  pyne  apple  trees 
in  the  Istmian  games.  Now  Timoleon  had  thus  incoraged 
his  men,  as  you  have  heard  before : he  first  of  all  tooke  of 
this  smallage,  and  made  him  selfe  a garland,  and  put  it  on 
his  head.  When  they  sawe  that,  the  Captaines  and  all  the 
souldiers  also  tooke  of  the  same,  and  made  them  selves  the 
like.  The  soothsayers  in  like  maner  at  the  verv  same  time, 
270 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

perceyved  two  eagles  flying  towards  them  : the  one  of  them 
holding  a snake  in  her  talents,  which  she  pearced  through 
and  through,  and  the  other  as  she  flewe,  gave  a terrible  cry. 
So  they  shewed  them  both  unto  the  souldiers,  who  did  then 
all  together  with  one  voyce  call  upon  the  gods  for  helpe. 
Now  this  fortuned  about  the  beginning  of  the  sommer,  and 
towards  the  later  ende  of  Maye,  the  sunne  drawing  towards 
the  solstyce  of  the  sommer : when  there  rose  a great  myst 
out  of  the  river,  that  covered  all  the  feilds  over,  so  as  they 
could  not  see  the  enemies  campe,  but  onely  heard  a marvel- 
ous confused  noyse  of  mens  voyces,  as  it  had  come  from  a 
great  armie,  and  rising  up  to  the  toppe  of  the  hil,  they  layed 
their  targets  downe  on  the  grownd  to  take  a litle  breathe : 
and  the  sunne  having  drawen  and  sucked  up  all  the  moyst 
vapours  of  the  myste  unto  the  toppe  of  the  hills,  the  ayer 
began  to  be  so  thicke,  that  the  toppes  of  the  mountaynes 
were  all  covered  over  with  clowdes,  and  contrarily,  the  valley 
underneath  was  all  cleare  and  fayer,  that  they  might  easily 
see  the  river  of  Crimesus,  and  the  enemies  also,  how  they 
passed  it  over  in  this  sort.  First,  they  had  put  their  cartes 
of  warre  foremost,  which  were  very  hotly  armed  and  well 
appoynted.  Next  unto  them  there  followed  tenne  thowsand 
footemen,  armed  with  white  targets  upon  their  armes : whom 
they  seeing  a farre  of  so  well  appoynted,  they  conjectured  by 
their  stately  marche  and  good  order,  that  they  were  the 
Carthaginians  them  selves.  After  them,  divers  other  nations 
followed  confusedly  one  with  an  other,  and  so  they  thronged 
over  with  great  disorder.  There  Timoleon  considering  the 
river  gave  him  oportunity  to  take  them  before  they  were 
halfe  past  over,  and  to  set  upon  what  number  he  would  : after 
he  had  shewed  his  men  with  his  finger,  how  the  battel  of 
their  enemies  was  devided  in  two  partes  by  meanes  of  the 
river,  some  of  them  being  already  passed  over,  and  the  other 
to  passe : He  commaunded  Demaratus  with  his  horsemen,  to 
geve  a charge  on  the  voward,  to  keepe  them  from  putting 
them  selves  in  order  of  battell.  And  him  selfe  comming 
downe  the  hill  also  with  all  his  footemen  into  the  valley,  he 
gave  to  the  Sicilians  the  two  winges  of  his  battell,  mingling 
with  them  some  straungers  that  served  under  him  : and 

271 


TIMOLEON 


The  order  of 
the  Carthagi- 
nians armie. 


Timoleon 
geveth  charge 
apon  the  Car- 
thaginians as 
they  came 
over  the  river 
of  Crimesus. 


TIMOLEON 


The  service  of 
the  armed 
cartes. 


Timoleons 
marvelous 
bigge  voyce. 


Timoleons 
order  and 
fight. 


A marvelous 
tempest  of 
thunder, 
lightning, 
rayne,  winde, 
and  hayle, 
full  in  the 
Carthaginians 
faces  as  they 
fought. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

placed  with  him  selfe  in  the  middest,  the  Syracusans,  with 
all  the  choyce  and  best  liked  straungers.  So  he  taried  not 
long  to  joyne,  when  he  saw  the  small  good  his  horsemen  did. 
For  he  perceyved  they  could  not  come  to  geve  a lusty  charge 
apon  the  battell  of  the  Carthaginians,  bicause  they  were 
paled  in  with  these  armed  cartes,  that  ranne  here  and  there 
before  them  : whereupon  they  were  compelled  to  wheele  about 
continually,  (onles  they  would  have  put  them  selves  in 
daunger  to  have  bene  utterly  overthrowen)  and  in  their  re- 
turnes  to  geve  venture  of  charge,  by  turnes  on  their  enemies. 
Wherefore  Timoleon  taking  his  target  on  his  arme,  cried  out 
alowde  to  his  footemen,  to  follow  him  coragiously,  and  to 
feare  nothing.  Those  that  heard  his  voyce,  thought  it  more 
then  the  voyce  of  a man,  whether  the  furie  of  his  desire  to 
fight  did  so  strayne  it  beyonde  ordinary  course,  or  that  some 
god  (as  many  thought  it  then)  did  stretch  his  voyce  to  cry 
out  so  lowde  and  sensibly.  His  souldiers  aunswered  him 
againe  with  the  like  voyce : and  prayed  him  to  leade  them 
without  lenger  delay.  Then  he  made  his  horsemen  under- 
stand, that  they  should  draw  on  the  toneside  from  the  cartes, 
and  that  they  should  charge  the  Carthaginians  on  the  flan  ekes : 
and  after  he  did  set  the  formost  rancke  of  his  battell,  target 
to  target  against  the  enemies,  commaunding  the  trumpets 
withall  to  so  wild.  Thus  with  great  furie  he  went  to  geve  a 
charge  apon  them,  who  valiantly  receyved  the  first  charge, 
their  bodies  being  armed  with  good  iron  corselets,  and  their 
heades  with  fayer  murrions  of  copper,  besides  the  great  tar- 
getts  they  had  also,  which  did  easily  receyve  the  force  of 
their  dartes,  and  the  thrust  of  the  pyke.  But  when  they 
came  to  handle  their  swordes,  where  agilitie  was  more  requi- 
site then  force : * a fearefull  tempest  of  thunder,  and  flashing 
lightning  withall,  came  from  the  mountaynes.  After  that 
came  darke  thicke  clowdes  also  (gathered  together  from  the 
toppe  of  the  hilles)  and  fell  uppon  the  valley,  where  the 
battell  was  fought,  with  a marvelous  extreame  shower  of 
rayne,  fierce  violent  windes,  and  hayle  withall.  All  this 
tempest  was  upon  the  Graecians  backes,  and  full  before  the 
barbarous  people,  beating  on  their  faces,  and  did  blindefold 
their  eyes,  and  continually  tormented  them  with  the  rayne 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

that  came  full  apon  them  with  the  winde,  and  the  lightnings 
so  ofte  flashing  amongest  them,  that  one  understoode  not 
another  of  them.  Which  did  marvelously  trouble  them,  and 
specially  those  that  were  but  freshe  water  souldiers,  by  reason 
of  the  terrible  thunderclapps,  and  the  noyse,  the  boysterous 
winde  and  hayle  made  uppon  their  hames : for  that  made 
them  they  could  not  heare  the  order  of  their  Captaines. 
Moreover,  the  durt  did  as  much  annoye  the  Carthaginians, 
bicause  they  were  not  nimble  in  their  armor,  but  heavely 
armed  as  we  have  told  you  : and  besides  that  also,  when  the 
playtes  of  their  coates  were  through  wett  with  water,  they 
did  lode  and  hinder  them  so  muche  the  more,  that  they  could 
not  fight  with  any  ease.  This  stoode  the  Graecians  to  great 
purpose,  to  throwe  them  downe  the  easier.  Thus  when  they 
were  tombling  in  the  durte  with  their  heavy  armor,  up  they 
could  rise  no  more.  Furthermore,  the  river  of  Crimesus 
being  risen  highe  through  the  great  rage  of  waters,  and  also 
for  the  multitude  of  people  that  passed  over  it,  did  overflowe 
the  valley  all  about : which  being  full  of  ditches,  many  caves, 
and  hollow  places,  it  was  straight  all  drowned  over,  and  filled 
with  many  ronning  streames,  that  ranne  overthwart  the 
feild,  without  any  certen  channell.  The  Carthaginians  being 
compassed  all  about  with  these  waters,  they  could  hardly  get 
the  way  out  of  it.  So  as  in  the  end  they  being  overcome 
with  the  storme  that  still  did  beate  apon  them,  and  the 
Graecians  having  slayne  of  their  men  at  the  first  onset,  to 
the  number  of  foure  hundred  of  their  choycest  men,  who 
made  the  first  fronte  of  their  battell : all  the  rest  of  their 
armie  turned  their  backes  immediatly,  and  fled  for  life.  In- 
somuch, some  of  them  being  followed  very  neare,  were  put  to 
the  sworde  in  the  middest  of  the  valley  : other,  holding  one 
another  hard  by  the  armes  together,  in  the  middest  of  the 
river  as  they  passed  over,  were  caried  downe  the  streame  and 
drowned,  with  the  swiftnes  and  violence  of  the  river.  But 
the  greatest  number  did  thinke  by  footemanship  to  recover 
the  hilles  thereabouts,  who  were  overtaken  by  them  that  were 
light  armed,  and  put  to  the  sworde  every  man.  They  saye, 
that  of  tenne  thowsande  which  were  slayne  in  this  battell, 
three  thowsande  of  them  were  meere  naturall  citizens  of 
2 : MM  273 


TIMOLEON 


Timoleons 
victorie  of  the 
Carthagi- 
nians. 


TIMOLEON 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

Carthage,  which  was  a very  sorowfull  and  greevous  losse  to 
the  city.  For  they  were  of  the  noblest,  the  richest,  the  lusti- 
est, and  valiantest  men  of  all  Carthage.  For  there  is  no 
chronicle  that  mentioneth  any  former  warres  at  any  tyme 
before,  where  there  dyed  so  many  of  Carthage  at  one  feild 
and  battell,  as  were  slayne  at  that  present  tyme.  For  be- 
fore that  time,  they  did  alwayes  entertaine  the  Fibyans,  the 
Spanyards,  and  the  Nomades,  in  all  their  warres : so  as  when 
they  lost  any  battell,  the  losse  lighted  not  on  them,  but  the 
straungers  payed  for  it.  The  men  of  accompt  also  that  were 
slayne,  were  easily  knowen  by  their  spoyles.  For  they  that 
spoyled  them,  stoode  not  trifling  about  getting  of  copper  and 
iron  together,  bicause  they  found  gold  and  silver  enoughe. 
For  the  battell  being  wonne,  the  Grsecians  passed  over  the 
river,  and  tooke  the  campe  of  the  barbarous  people,  with  all 
their  cariages  and  bagage.  And  as  for  the  prisoners,  the 
souldiers  stole  many  of  them  away,  and  sent  them  going : 
but  of  them  that  came  to  short  to  make  common  division  of 
the  spoyle  amonge  them,  they  were  about  five  thowsand  men, 
and  two  hundred  cartes  of  warre  that  were  taken  besides. 
Oh,  it  was  a noble  sight  to  behold  the  tent  of  Timoleon  their 
generall,  how  they  envyroned  it  all  about  with  heapes  of  spoyles 
of  every  sorte  : amongest  which  there  were  a thowsand  brave 
corselets  guylt,  and  graven,  with  marvelous  curious  workes, 
and  brought  thither  with  them  also  tenne  thowsand  targets. 
So  the  conquerours  being  but  a small  number,  to  take  the 
spoile  of  a multitude  that  were  slaine  they  filled  their  purses 
even  to  the  toppe.  Yet  were  they  three  daies  about  it,  and 
in  the  end,  the  third  day  after  the  battel,  they  set  up  a 
marke  or  token  of  their  victorie.  Then  Timoleon  sent  unto 
Corinthe,  with  the  newes  of  this  overthrow,  the  fairest  armors 
that  were  gotten  in  the  spoyle  : bicause  he  would  make  his 
countrie  and  native  citie  spoken  of  and  commended  through 
the  world,  above  al  the  other  cities  of  Greece.  For  that  at 
Corinth  only,  their  chief  temples  were  set  forth  and  adorned, 
not  with  spoiles  of  the  Greecians,  nor  offerings  gotten  by 
spilling  the  blood  of  their  owne  nation  and  contrie : (which 
to  say  truely,  are  unpleasant  memories)  but  with  the  spoiles 
taken  from  the  barbarous  people  their  enemies,  with  inscrip- 
274 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

tions  witnessing  the  valliancie  and  justice  of  those  also,  who  TIMOLEON 
by  victorie  had  obteined  them.  That  is  to  wit,  that  the 
Corinthians  and  their  captaine  Timoleon,  (having  delivered 
the  Greecians  dwelling  in  Sicile,  from  the  bondage  of  the 
Carthaginians)  had  geven  those  offerings  unto  the  gods,  to 
geve  thanks  for  their  victory.  That  done,  Timoleon  leaving 
the  straungers  he  had  in  pay,  in  the  contrie  subject  to  the 
Carthaginians,  to  spoile  and  destroy  it : he  retorned  with  the 
rest  of  his  army  unto  Syracusa.  Where  at  his  first  comming 
home,  he  banished  the  thowsand  souldiers  that  had  forsaken  Timoleon 
him  in  his  jorney,  with  expresse  charge  that  they  should  banisheththe 
departe  the  cittie  before  sunne  sette.  So  these  thowsand  thowsand 
cowardly  and  mutinous  souldiers  passed  over  into  Italie,  soukiiersout 
where,  under  promise  of  the  countrie,  they  were  al  unfor-  of  Sicile. 
tunately  slayne  by  the  Brutians  : such  was  the  justice  of  the 
goddes  to  paie  their  juste  rewarde  of  their  treason.  After- 
wards, Mamercus  the  tyranne  of  Catana,  Icetes  (whether  it 
was  for  the  envie  they  did  beare  to  Timoleons  famous  dedes, 
or  for  that  they  were  affrayde  of  him)  perceiving  tyrannes 
could  looke  for  no  peace  at  his  handes : they  made  league 
with  the  Carthaginians,  and  wrote  unto  them  that  they 
should  send  another  armie  and  captaine  sodainely,  if  they 
would  not  utterly  be  driven  out  of  Sicile.  The  Carthaginians  Gisco  sent 
sent  Gisco  thither  with  threescore  and  tenne  saile,  who  at  his  from  Car- 
first  comming  tooke  a certen  number  of  Grecian  souldiers 
into  pay,  which  were  the  first  the  Carthaginians  ever  retained  gicj]e 
in  their  service:  for  they  never  gave  them  pay  until  that 
present  time,  when  they  thought  them  to  be  men  invincible, 
and  the  best  souldiers  of  the  world.  Moreover,  the  inhabi- 
tantes  of  the  territorie  of  Messina,  having  made  a secret  con- 
spiracy amongest  them  selves,  did  slay  foure  hundred  men  Messina 
that  Timoleon  had  sent  unto  them : and  in  the  territories  riseth  against 
subject  unto  the  Carthaginians,  nere  unto  a place  they  call  limoleon- 
Hieres,  there  was  another  ambush  layd  for  Euthimus 
Leucadian,  so  as  him  self  and  al  his  souldiers  were  cut  in 
peces.  Howbeit  the  losse  of  them  made  Timoleons  doings 
notwithstanding  more  fortunate : for  they  were  even  those 
that  had  forcibly  entred  the  temple  of  Apollo  in  the  cittie 
of  Delphes,  with  Philodemus  Phocian,  and  with  Onomarchus, 

275 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

TIMOLEON  who  were  partakers  of  their  sacriledge.  Moreover,  they  were 
lose  people  and  abjectes,  that  were  abhorred  of  everie  body, 
who  vacabondlike  wandred  up  and  downe  the  contry  of 
Peloponnesus,  when  Timoleon  for  lacke  of  other  was  glad  to 
take  them  up.  And  when  they  came  into  Sicile,  they  alwaies 
overcame  in  al  battells  they  fought,  whilest  they  were  in  his 
company.  But  in  the  ende,  when  the  furie  of  warres  was 
pacified,  Timoleon  sending  them  about  some  speciall  service 
to  the  ayde  of  some  of  his,  they  were  cast  away  every  man 
of  them : and  not  all  together,  but  at  divers  times.  So  as 
it  seemed  that  Goddes  justice,  in  favor  of  Timoleon,  did 
separate  them  from  the  rest,  when  he  was  determined  to 
plague  them  for  their  wicked  desertes,  fearing  least  good 
men  should  suffer  hurt  by  punishing  of  the  evill.  And  so 
was  the  grace  and  goodwill  of  the  goddes  wonderful  towards 
Timoleon,  not  onely  in  matters  against  him,  but  in  those 
things  that  prospered  well  with  him.  Notwithstanding,  the 
common  people  of  Syracusa  tooke  the  j easting  wordes  and 
writings  of  the  tyrans  against  them,  in  marvelous  evill  part. 
For  Mamercus  amongest  other,  thinking  well  of  him  selfe, 
bicause  he  could  make  verses  and  tragedies,  having  in  certen 
battels  gotten  the  better  hand  of  the  straungers,  which  the 
Syracusans  gave  pay  unto,  he  gloried  very  much.  And  when 
he  offred  up  the  targets  he  had  gotten  of  them,  in  the 
temples  of  the  godds : he  set  up  also  these  cutting  verses,  in 
derision  of  them  that  were  vanquished  : 

With  bucklers  pot  1yd  like,  which  of  no  value  were, 

we  have  these  goodly  targets  wonne,  so  richly  trymmed  here. 
All  gorgeously  with  golde,  and  eke  with  Ivorye, 
with  purple  cullers  finely  wrought,  and  dect  with  Ebonye. 


Mamercus 
verses, 
tyranne  of 
Catana. 


Calauria,  a 
citie  of  Sicile. 


These  thinges  done,  Timoleon  led  his  armie  before  the  citie 
of  Calauria,  and  Icetes  therewhile  entred  the  confines  of  the 
Syracusans  with  a maine  army,  and  caried  away  a marvelous 
great  spoile.  And  after  he  had  done  great  hurt,  and  spoiled 
the  contry,  he  returned  backe  againe,  and  came  by  Calauria, 
to  despite  Timoleon,  knowing  wel  enough  he  had  at  that 
time  but  few  men  about  him.  Timoleon  suffered  him  to 
passe  by,  but  folowed  him  afterwards  with  his  horsemen  and 
lightest  armed  footemen.  Icetes  understanding  that,  passed 
276 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

over  the  river  called  Damirias,  and  so  staied  on  the  other  TIMOLEON 

side  as  though  he  would  fight,  trusting  to  the  swift  ronning  Damirias,  fl. 

of  the  river,  and  the  height  of  the  bankes  on  either  side  of 

the  same.  Now  the  captaines  of  Timoleons  bands  fell  out  Strife  among 

marvelously  amongest  them  selves,  striving  for  honor  of  this  Timoleons 

service,  which  was  cause  of  delaying  the  battel.  For  none  p^ssing^ver 

would  willingly  come  behind,  but  every  man  desired  to  lead  the  river. 

the  voward,  for  honor  to  begin  the  charge  : so  as  they  could 

not  agree  for  their  going  over,  one  thrusting  another  to  get 

before  his  companion.  Wherfore  Timoleon  fell  to  drawing  Timoleons 

of  lots,  which  of  them  should  passe  over  first,  and  tooke  a devise  to  draw 

ring  of  every  one  of  them,  and  cast  them  all  within  the  lappe 

of  his  cloke : so  rolling  them  together,  by  chaunce  he  pluckt 

one  at  the  first,  wheron  was  graven  the  markes  and  tokens 

of  a triumph.  The  young  Captaines  seeing  that,  gave  a 

shoute  of  joy,  and  without  tarying  drawing  of  other  lottes, 

they  began  every  man  to  passe  the  river  as  quickly  as  they 

could,  and  to  set  apon  the  enemies  as  sodainely.  But  they 

being  not  able  to  abide  their  force,  ranne  their  wayes,  and 

were  faine  to  cast  their  armor  away  to  make  more  hast : 

howbeit  there  were  a thowsand  of  them  lay  dead  in  the 

feilde.  And  within  few  daies  after,  Timoleon  leading  his 

armie  to  the  citie  of  the  Leontines,  tooke  Icetes  alive  there,  Timoleon 

with  his  sonne  Eupolemus,  and  the  generall  of  his  horsemen,  taketh  Icetes, 

who  were  delivered  into  his  hands  by  his  owne  souldiers.  So  hissonne 

Icetes  and  his  sonne  were  put  to  death,  like  the  traitors  and  a^ve  an(j  ^id 

tyrannes  : and  so  was  Euthydemus  also,  who  though  he  was  put  them  to 

a valliant  souldier,  had  no  better  mercie  shewed  him,  then  death. 

the  father  and  the  sonne,  bicause  they  did  burden  him  with 

certaine  injurious  words  he  spake  against  the  Corinthians. 

For  they  say,  that  when  the  Corinthians  came  first  out  of 
their  contrie  into  Sicile  to  make  wars  against  the  tyrannes : 
that  he  making  an  oration  before  the  Leontines,  said  amongest 
other  things : that  they  should  not  neede  to  be  afraide,  if 

The  women  of  Corinthe  were  come  out  of  their  contrie. 

Thus  we  see,  that  men  do  rather  suffer  hurt,  then  put  up 
injurious  words : and  do  pardone  their  enemies,  though  they 
revenge  by  deds,  bicause  they  can  do  no  lesse.  But  as  for 

m 


TIMOLEON 


Icetes  wives 
and  children 
put  to  death. 


The  crueltie 
of  Icetes  to- 
wards Dion 
and  his. 

Mamercus 
overcome  in 
battel. 

Abolus  fl. 

Timoleon 
maketh  peace 
with  the  Car- 
thaginians. 

Lycus  fl. 


Catana  yelded 
up  unto  Timo- 
leon. 

Hippon  the 
tyranne  of 
Messina. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

injurious  words,  they  seme  to  proceed  of  a deadly  hate,  and  of 
a cancred  malice.  Furthermore,  when  Timoleon  was  returned 
againe  to  Syracusa,  the  Syracusans  arrained  the  wives  of 
Icetes,  and  his  sonne,  and  their  daughters : who  being 
arrained,  were  also  condemned  to  die  by  the  judgement  of 
the  people.  Of  al  the  actes  Timoleon  did,  this  of  al  other 
(in  my  opinion)  was  the  fowlest  dede : for  if  he  had  listed, 
he  might  have  saved  the  poore  women  from  death.  But  he 
passed  not  for  them,  and  so  left  them  to  the  wrath  of  the 
cittizens,  who  would  be  revenged  of  them,  for  the  injuries 
that  were  done  to  Dion,  after  he  had  driven  out  the  tyranne 
Dionysius.  For  it  was  Icetes  that  caused  Arete,  the  wife  of 
Dion,  to  be  cast  into  the  sea,  his  sister  Aristomache,  and  his 
sonne  that  was  yet  a sucking  child,  as  we  have  written  in 
another  place  in  the  life  of  Dion.  That  done,  he  went  to 
Catana  against  Mamercus,  who  taried  him  by  the  river  of 
Abolus,  where  Mamercus  was  overthrowen  in  battel,  and 
above  two  thowsand  men  slaine,  the  greatest  part  wherof 
were  the  Carthaginians,  whom  Gisco  had  sent  for  his  reliefe. 
Afterwards  he  graunted  peace  to  the  Carthaginians,  upon 
earnest  sute  made  unto  him,  with  condition,  that  they  should 
kepe  on  thother  side  of  the  river  of  Lycus,  and  that  it  should 
be  lawful  for  any  of  thinhabitants  there  that  would,  to  come 
and  dwel  in  the  territory  of  the  Syracusans,  and  to  bring 
away  with  them  their  goodes,  their  wives  and  their  children : 
and  furthermore,  that  from  thenceforth  the  Carthaginians 
should  renounce  al  league,  confederacy,  and  alliance  with  the 
tyrannes.  Wherupon  Mamercus  having  no  hope  of  good 
successe  in  his  doings,  he  would  goe  into  Italye  to  stir  up  the 
Lucanians  against  Timoleon,  and  the  Syracusans.  But  they 
that  were  in  his  company,  returned  backe  againe  with  their 
gallies  in  the  myd  way : and  when  they  were  returned  into 
Sicile,  they  delivered  up  the  cittie  of  Catana  into  the  handes 
of  Timoleon,  so  as  Mamercus  was  constrained  to  save  him 
selfe,  and  to  flye  unto  Messina,  to  Hippon  the  tyranne  thereof. 
But  Timoleon  followed  him,  and  beseged  the  cittie  both  by 
sea  and  by  lande.  Whereat  Hippon  quaked  for  feare,  and 
thought  to  flye  by  taking  shippe,  but  he  was  taken  startyng. 
And  the  Messenians  having  him  in  their  hands,  made  all  the 
278 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

children  come  from  the  schole  to  the  Theater,  to  see  one  of  TIMOLEON 
the  goodliest  sightes  that  they  could  devise : to  wit,  to  see 
the  tyran  punished,  who  was  openly  whipped,  and  afterwards  Hippon  put 
put  to  death.  Now  for  Mamercus,  he  did  yeld  him  self  unto  to  death. 
Timoleon,  to  be  judged  by  the  Syracusans,  so  that  Timoleon 
might  not  be  his  accuser.  So  he  was  brought  unto  Syracusa, 
where  he  attempted  to  make  an  oration  to  the  people,  which 
he  had  premeditated  long  before.  But  seeing  that  the 
people  cryed  out,  and  made  a great  noyse,  bicause  they 
would  not  heare  him,  and  that  there  was  no  likelyhoode  they 
would  pardone  him  : he  ranne  overthwart  the  Theater,  and 
knocked  his  head  as  hard  as  he  could  drive,  upon  one  of 
the  degrees  whereon  they  sate  there  to  see  the  sportes,  think- 
ing to  have  dashed  out  his  braynes,  and  have  rid  him  self 
sodainely  out  of  his  paine.  But  he  was  not  happy  to  die  so,  Mamercus  the 
for  he  was  taken  straight  being  yet  alive,  and  put  to  death  tyranneputto 
as  theves  and  murderers  are.  Thus  did  Timoleon  roote  all  dea  * 
tyrans  out  of  Sicile,  and  make  an  end  of  all  warres  there.  Timoleon 
And  wheras  he  found  the  whole  ile,  wilde,  savage,  and  quieteth  all 
hated  of  the  natural  contry  men  and  inhabitants  of  the  felclle* 
same,  for  the  extreme  calamities  and  miseries  they  suffred : 
he  brought  it  to  be  so  civil,  and  so  much  desired  of  straungers, 
that  they  came  farre  and  neare  to  dwell  there,  where  the 
naturall  inhabitants  of  the  country  selfe  before,  were  glad  to 
flye  and  forsake  it.  For  Agrigentum,  and  Gela,  two  great 
cities,  did  witnesse  this,  which  after  the  warres  of  the 
Athenians,  had  bene  utterly  forsaken  and  destroyed  by  the 
Carthaginians,  and  were  then  inhabited  againe.  The  one, 
by  Magellus  and  Pheristus,  two  Captaines  that  came  from 
Elea : and  the  other  by  Gorgos,  who  came  from  the  ile  of 
Ceo.  And  as  nere  as  they  could,  they  gathered  againe 
together  the  first  auncient  Citizens  and  inhabitants  of  the 
same : whom  Timoleon  did  not  onely  assure  of  peace  and 
safetie  to  live  there,  to  settle  them  quietly  together : but  will- 
ingly did  helpe  them  besides,  with  all  other  thinges  necessary, 
to  his  uttermost  meane  and  abilitie,  for  which  they  loued  and 
honored  him  as  their  father  and  founder.  And  this  his  good 
love  and  favor,  was  common  also  to  all  other  people  of  Sicile 
whatsoever*  So  that  in  all  Sicile  there  was  no  truce  taken 

279 


TIMOLEON 


Timoleon 
compared 
with  the 
famousest 
men  of  Gaece. 


Timoleon 
attributeth 
his  good  suc- 
cesse  unto 
fortune. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

in  warres,  nor  lawes  established,  nor  landes  devided,  nor  insti- 
tucion  of  any  policie  or  government  thought  good  or  avayle- 
able,  if  Timoleons  devise  had  not  bene  in  it,  as  chiefe  direc- 
tor of  such  matters : which  gave  him  a singular  grace  to  be 
acceptable  to  the  goddes,  and  generally  to  be  beloved  of 
al  men.  For  in  those  dayes,  there  were  other  famous  men  in 
Greece,  that  did  marvelous  great  thinges : amongest  whom 
were  these,  Timotheus,  Agesilaus,  Pelopidas,  and  Epami- 
nondas,  which  Epaminondas  Timoleon  sought  to  follow  in 
all  thinges,  as  neare  as  he  could,  above  any  of  them  all.  But 
in  all  the  actions  of  these  other  great  Captaines,  their  glorie 
was  alway  mingled  with  violence,  payne,  and  labor : so  as 
some  of  them  have  bene  touched  with  reproche,  and  other 
with  repentaunce.  Whereas  contrarywise,  in  all  Timoleons 
doinges  (that  onely  excepted,  which  he  was  forced  to  doe  to 
his  brother)  there  was  nothing  but  they  might  with  trothe 
(as  Timaeus  sayd)  proclayme  the  saying  of  Sophocles  : 

Oh  mightie  goddes  of  heaven,  what  Venus  stately  dame, 

or  Cupid,  (god)  have  thus  yput,  their  handes  unto  this  same  ? 

And  like  as  Antimachus  verses,  and  Dionysius  paynting, 
both  Colophonians,  are  ful  of  synewes  and  strength,  and  yet 
at  this  present  we  se  they  are  things  greatly  labored,  and 
travelled  with  much  payne : and  that  contrariwise  in  Nico- 
machus  tables,  and  Homers  verses,  besides  the  passing  work- 
manship and  singular  grace  in  them,  a man  fmdeth  at  the 
first  sight,  that  they  were  easily  made,  and  without  great 
payne.  Even  so  in  like  manner,  whosoever  will  compare  the 
paynefull  bloudy  warres  and  battels  of  Epaminondas,  and 
Agesilaus,  with  the  warres  of  Timoleon,  in  the  which,  besides 
equitie  and  justice,  there  is  also  great  ease  and  quietnes : 
he  shall  finde,  waying  things  indifferently,  that  they  have  not 
bene  fortunes  doings  simply,  but  that  they  came  of  a most 
noble  and  fortunat  corage.  Yet  he  him  self  doth  wisely 
impute  it  unto  his  good  happe,  and  favorable  fortune. 
For  in  his  letters  he  wrote  unto  his  familiar  frendes  at 
Corinthe,  and  in  some  other  orations  he  made  to  the  people 
of  Syracusa : he  spake  it  many  times,  that  he  thanked  the 
almighty  gods,  that  it  had  pleased  them  to  save  and  deliver 

280 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

Sicile  from  bondage,  by  his  meanes  and  service,  and  to  geve  TIMOLEON 
him  the  honor  and  dignitie  of  the  name.  And  having 
builded  a temple  in  his  house,  he  did  dedicate  it  unto 
fortune,  and  furthermore  did  consecrate  his  whole  house  unto 
her.  For  he  dwelt  in  a house  the  Syracusans  kept  for  him  Timoleon 
and  gave  him  in  recompence  of  the  good  service  he  had  done  dwelleth  still 
them  in  the  warres,  with  a marvelous  faire  pleasaunt  house  cusaiis16 
in  the  contrie  also,  where  he  kept  most  when  he  was  at 
leisur.  For  he  never  after  returned  unto  Corinthe  againe, 
but  sent  for  his  wife  and  children  to  come  thither,  and  never 
delt  afterwards  with  those  troubles  that  fell  out  amongest  the 
Greecians,  nether  did  make  him  selfe  to  be  envied  of  the 
cittizens : (a  mischiefe  that  most  governors  and  captains  do 
fal  into,  through  their  unsatiable  desire  of  honor  and  autho- 
rise :)  but  lived  al  the  rest  of  his  life  after  in  Sicile,  rejoyc- 
ing  for  the  great  good  he  had  done,  and  specially  to  see  so 
many  cities  and  thowsands  of  people  happy  by  his  meanes. 

But  bicause  it  is  an  ordinary  matter,  and  of  necessitie,  (as 
Simonides  saith)  that  not  only  al  larkes  have  a tuft  upon  Simonides 
their  heades,  but  also  that  in  all  citties  there  be  accusers,  saying, 
where  the  people  rule : there  were  two  of  those  at  Syracusa,  Timoleons 
that  continually  made  orations  to  the  people,  who  did  accuse  accusers. 
Timoleon,  the  one  called  Laphystius,  and  the  other  Demae- 
netus.  So  this  Laphystius  appointing  Timoleon  a certen 
day  to  come  and  aunswere  to  his  accusation  before  the 
people,  thinking  to  convince  him : the  cittizens  began  to 
mutine,  and  wold  not  in  any  case  suffer  the  day  of  adjorne- 
ment  to  take  place.  But  Timoleon  did  pacifie  them,  declar- 
ing unto  them,  that  he  had  taken  all  the  extreame  paines 
and  labor  he  had  done,  and  had  passed  so  many  daungers, 
bicause  every  cittizen  and  inhabitant  of  Syracusa,  might 
franckly  use  the  libertie  of  their  lawes.  And  another  time 
Demaenetus,  in  open  assembly  of  the  people,  reproving  many 
thinges  Timoleon  did  when  he  was  general! : Timoleon 
aunswered  never  a word,  but  onely  said  unto  the  people, 
that  he  thanked  the  goddes  they  had  graunted  him  the 
thing  he  had  so  oft  requested  of  them  in  his  praiers,  which 
was,  that  he  might  once  see  the  Syracusans  have  full  power 
and  libertie  to  say  what  they  would.  Now  Timoleon  in  all 
2 : NN  281 


TIMOLEON 
Timoleons 
great  praise. 


Timoleon 
in  his  age  lost 
his  sight. 


The  great 
honor  the 
Syracusans 
did  Timoleon 
being  blind. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

mens  opinion,  had  done  the  noblest  actes  that  ever  Greecian 
captaine  did  in  his  time,  and  had  above  deserved  the  fame 
and  glory  of  al  the  noble  exploytes,  whiche  the  rethoricians 
with  all  their  eloquent  orations  perswaded  the  Greecians 
unto,  in  the  open  assemblies,  and  common  feastes  and  plaies 
of  Greece,  out  of  the  which  fortune  delivered  him  safe  and 
sound  before  the  trouble  of  the  civill  warres  that  folowed 
sone  after : and  moreover  he  made  a great  proofe  of  his 
valliancie  and  knowledge  in  warres,  against  the  barbarous 
people  and  tyrannes,  and  had  shewed  him  selfe  also  a just 
and  merciful  man  unto  al  his  frendes,  and  generally  to  al  the 
Greecians.  And  furthermore,  seeing  he  wonne  the  most 
part  of  all  his  victories  and  triumphes,  with  out  the  sheading 
of  any  one  teare  of  his  men,  or  that  any  of  them  mourned  by 
his  meanes,  and  also  ryd  all  Sidle  of  all  the  miseries  and 
calamities  raigning  at  that  time,  in  lesse  then  eight  yeeres 
space : he  beyng  nowe  growen  olde,  his  sight  first  beginning 
a litle  to  faile  him,  shortly  after  he  lost  it  altogether.  This 
happened,  not  through  any  cause  or  occasion  of  sicknesse 
that  came  unto  him,  nor  that  fortune  had  casually  done  him 
that  injurie : but  it  was  in  my  opinion,  a disease  inheritable 
to  him  by  his  parentes,  which  by  time  came  to  laie  hold  on 
him  also.  For  the  voyce  went,  that  many  of  his  kin  in  like 
case  had  also  lost  their  sight,  which  by  litle  and  litle  with 
age,  was  cleane  taken  from  them.  Howbeit  Athanis  the 
Historiographer  writeth,  that  during  the  warres  he  had 
against  Mamercus  and  Hippon,  as  he  was  in  his  campe  at 
Mylles,  there  came  a white  spott  in  his  eyes,  that  dimmed 
his  sight  somwhat : so  that  every  man  perceived  that  he 
should  lose  his  sight  altogether.  Notwithstanding  that,  he 
did  not  raise  his  seige,  but  continued  his  enterprise,  untill  he 
tooke  both  the  tyrans  at  last : and  so  soone  as  he  returned 
to  Syracusa  againe,  he  did  put  him  self  out  of  his  office  of 
general,  praying  the  citizens  to  accept  that  he  had  already 
done,  the  rather  bicause  things  were  brought  to  so  good 
passe,  as  they  them  selves  could  desire.  Now,  that  he 
paciently  tooke  this  misfortune  to  be  blind  altogether,  per- 
adventure  men  may  somewhat  marvel  at  it : but  this  much 
more  is  to  be  wondred  at,  that  the  Syracusans  after  he  was 
282 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

blind,  did  so  much  honor  him,  and  acknowledge  the  good  he  TIMOLEON 

had  done  them,  that  they  went  them  selves  to  visite  him  oft, 

and  brought  straungers  (that  were  travellers)  to  his  house  in 

the  city,  and  also  in  the  contry,  to  make  them  see  their 

benefactor,  rejoy cing  and  thinking  them  selves  happy,  that 

he  had  chosen  to  end  his  life  with  them,  and  that  for  this 

cause  he  had  despised  the  glorious  retorne  that  was  prepared 

for  him  in  Greece,  for  the  great  and  happy  victories  he  had 

wonne  in  Sicile.  But  amongest  many  other  thinges  the  A lawe  made 

Syracusans  did,  and  ordeyned  to  honor  him  with,  this  of  all  to  honor 

other  me  thinketh  was  the  chiefest : that  they  made  a per-  Timoleon. 

petuall  lawe,  so  oft  as  they  should  have  warres  agaynst 

forreyne  people,  and  not  agaynst  their  owne  contry  men, 

that  they  should  ever  choose  a Corinthian  for  their  generall. 

It  was  a goodly  thing  also  to  see  how  they  did  honor  him  in 

the  assemblies  of  their  councell.  For  if  any  trifling  matter 

fell  in  question  among  them,  they  dispatched  it  of  them 

selves : but  if  it  were  a thing  that  required  great  counsaill 

and  advise,  they  caused  Timoleon  to  be  sent  for.  So  he  was 

brought  through  the  market  place  in  his  litter,  into  the 

Theater,  where  all  the  assembly  of  the  people  was,  and 

caryed  in  even  so  in  his  litter  as  he  sate : and  then  the 

people  dyd  all  salute  him  with  one  voyce,  and  he  them  in 

lyke  case.  And  after  he  had  pawsed  a while  to  heare  the 

praises  and  blessinges  the  whole  assembly  gave  him,  they  dyd 

propounde  the  matter  doubtfull  to  him,  and  he  delivered  his 

opinion  upon  the  same : which  being  passed  by  the  voyces  of 

the  people,  his  servauntes  caryed  him  backe  againe  in  his 

litter  through  the  Theater,  and  the  citizens  dyd  wayte  on 

him  a litle  way  with  cryes  of  joye,  and  clapping  of  handes, 

and  that  done,  they  dyd  repayre  to  dispatche  common  causes 

by  them  selves,  as  they  dyd  before.  So  his  old  age  being 

thus  entertayned  with  suche  honour,  and  with  the  love  and 

good  wyll  of  every  man,  as  of  a common  father  to  them  al : 

in  the  ende  a sicknesse  tooke  him  by  the  backe,  whereof  he  The  death  of 

dyed.  So  the  Syracusans  had  a certen  tyme  appoynted  them  Timoleon. 

to  prepare  for  his  funeralles,  and  their  neighbours  also  ther- 

abouts  to  come  unto  it.  By  reason  wherof  his  funeral  was  Timoleons 

so  much  more  honorably  performed  in  all  thinges,  and  funeralles. 

283 


TIMOLEON 


An  honorable 
decree  of  the 
Syracusans 
for  the 
memorie  of 
Timoleon. 


Timoleons 
tombe  built 
in  the  market 
place. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

specially  for  that  the  people  apoynted  the  noblest  younge 
gentelmen  of  the  citie  to  carrie  his  coffyn  upon  their  shoulders, 
rychely  furnished  and  set  forth,  whereon  his  body  laye,  and  so 
dyd  convey  him  through  the  place,  where  the  Palyce  and  Castell 
of  the  tyranne  Dionysius  had  been,  which  then  was  rased  to  the 
grounde.  There  accompanied  his  body  also,  many  thowsandes 
of  people,  all  crowned  with  garlandes  of  flowers  and  apparreled 
in  their  best  apparell : so  as  it  seemed  it  had  been  the  proces- 
sion of  some  solemne  feast,  and  all  their  woordes  were  prais- 
inges  and  blessinges  of  the  dead,  with  teares  ronnyng  downe 
their  cheekes,  which  was  a good  testimonie  they  dyd  not  this 
as  men  that  were  glad  to  be  discharged  of  the  honor  they  dyd 
him,  neither  for  that  it  was  so  ordayned : but  for  the  just 
sorowe  and  griefe  they  tooke  for  his  death,  and  for  very 
hartie  good  love  they  dyd  beare  him.  And  lastly,  the  coffin 
being  put  uppon  the  stacke  of  wod  where  it  should  be  burnt, 
Demetrius  one  of  the  heralds  that  had  the  lowdest  voyce, 
proclaymed  the  decree  that  was  ordeined  by  the  people,  the 
effect  whereof  was  this  : The  people  of  Syracusa  hath 
ordained,  that  this  present  body  of  Timoleon  Corinthian, 
the  sonne  of  Timodemus,  should  be  buried  at  the  charges  of 
the  common  weale,  unto  the  summe  of  two  hundred  Minas, 
and  hath  honored  his  memorie  with  playes  and  games  of 
musicke,  with  ronning  of  horses,  and  with  other  exercises  of 
the  bodie,  whiche  shalbe  celebrated  yeerely  on  the  day  of 
his  death  for  evermore : and  this,  bicause  he  dyd  drive  the 
tyrannes  out  of  Sicile,  for  that  he  overcame  the  barbarous 
people,  and  bicause  he  replenished  many  great  cities  with 
inhabitantes  againe,  which  the  warres  had  left  desolate  and 
unhabited : and  lastly,  for  that  he  had  restored  the  Sicilians 
againe  to  their  libertie,  and  to  live  after  their  owne  lawes. 
And  afterwards,  his  tombe  was  built  in  the  market  place, 
about  the  which  a certen  time  after,  they  builded  certen 
cloysters  and  gallaries  to  exercise  the  youth  in,  with  exercise 
of  their  bodyes,  and  the  places  so  walled  in,  was  called  Timo- 
leontium  : and  so  long  as  they  dyd  observe  the  lawes,  and 
civill  policie  he  stablished  amongest  them,  they  lived 
long  tyme  in  great  continuall  prosperitie. 


284 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


THE  COMPARISON  OF 
PAULUS  A3MYLIUS  WITH  TIMOLEON 


YTHE  these  two  men  were  suche  as  the 
Historiographers  have  described  thera  to 
be : it  is  certayne,  that  comparing  the  one 
with  the  other,  we  shall  fynde  no  great 
oddes  nor  difference  betweene  them.  For 
fyrst  of  all,  the  warres  they  made,  have 
been  agaynst  great  and  famous  enemies: 
the  one  against  the  Macedonians,  and  the 
other  agaynst  the  Carthaginians,  and  both  their  victories 
very  notable.  For  the  one  of  them  conquered  the  realme  of 
Macedon,  whiche  he  tooke  from  the  seventh  kyng  that  raigned 
by  succession  from  the  father  to  the  sonne,  since  the  tyme  of 
the  great  Antigonus : and  the  other  drave  al  the  tyrannes  out 
of  Sicile,  and  restored  the  whole  lie  and  Cities  therin,  unto 
their  former  libertie.  Unles  some  wil  alledge  perhappes  that 
there  was  this  difference  betweene  them,  that  iEmylius  fought 
agaynst  kyng  Perseus,  when  he  had  all  his  power  whole  and 
entier,  and  had  fought  with  the  Romans  many  tymes  before, 
and  had  the  better  of  them  in  all  conflictes  : where  Timoleon 
set  uppon  Dionysius,  when  he  was  in  greatest  dispayre,  and 
in  maner  utterly  cast  away.  On  the  contrarie  syde,  it  may 
be  objected  for  Timoleon,  that  he  overcame  manie  tyrannes, 
and  a myghtie  great  armie  of  the  Carthaginians,  with  a verie 
small  number  of  men,  and  yet  men  of  all  sortes : not  as 
iEmylius  with  a great  armie  of  well  trayned  and  expert 
souldiers  in  warres,  but  with  men  gathered  togeather  at 
adventure  of  all  sortes,  being  mercenarie  hierlings,  and  fight- 
ing men  for  paie,  lose  people,  and  men  unruly  in  warres, 
that  woulde  doo  but  what  they  listed.  For  where  the  goodly 
deeds  are  like,  and  the  meanes  unequall : there  we  must  con- 
fesse  that  the  praise  is  due  unto  the  generall.  Bothe  the 
one  and  the  other  kept  their  handes  cleane  from  corruption, 

285 


The  compari- 
son of  Timo- 
leon and 
Paulus 
iEmylius  for 
the  warres. 


PAULUS 
iE  MI  LI  US 

AND 

TIMOLEON 


The  wonder- 
ful continen- 
cie  of  iEmy- 
lius  from 
bribes. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

in  the  charge  which  they  tooke  upon  them.  But  it  seemeth 
that  ^Emylius  came  so  facioned  and  prepared,  by  the  good 
civill  lawe,  and  moral  disciplyne  of  his  countrie : and  that 
Timoleon  came  rawly  thither,  and  afterwards  facioned  him 
selfe  to  be  that  he  was.  And  this  is  to  be  proved : for  that 
al  the  Romains  in  that  time  were  so  civilly  brought  up, 
and  exceeded  al  other  in  straight  keeping  the  lawes  of  their 
countrie.  Where  to  the  contrarie,  there  was  not  one  of  the 
captaines  of  the  Greecians  that  came  then,  or  were  sent  into 
Sicile,  but  fell  straight  to  corruption,  when  he  had  put  his 
foote  in  Sicile,  Dion  onely  excepted : and  yet  they  had  a 
certaine  suspicion  of  him,  that  he  aspired  to  the  kingdome, 
and  imagined  in  his  head  to  stablishe  a certaine  Empire  at 
Siracusa,  like  unto  that  of  Lacedaemon.  Timaeus  the  His- 
toriographer writeth,  that  the  Siracusans  sent  Gilippus  with 
shame  backe  againe  into  his  countrie,  for  his  unsaciable 
greedy  covetousnes,  and  for  his  great  theftes,  and  bribes 
taken  in  his  charge.  Divers  other  have  also  written  the 
great  treasons  and  falsehoddes  Pharax  Spartan,  and  Calippus 
Athenian  did  commit,  both  of  them  seeking  to  make  them 
selves  lordes  of  Siracusa : and  yet  what  men  were  they,  and 
what  meanes  had  they  to  have  suche  a foolishe  vaine  hope 
and  fancie  in  their  heades  ? Considering  that  the  one  dyd 
folowe  and  serve  Dionysius,  after  that  he  was  driven  out  of 
Siracusa : and  the  other  also  was  but  a private  captaine  of 
a bande  of  footemen,  of  those  that  came  in  with  Dion. 
Timoleon  in  contrary  maner  was  sent,  to  be  generall  of 
the  Siracusans,  upon  their  great  instance  and  sute.  And 
he  having  no  neede  to  seeke  or  hunte  after  it,  but  onely 
to  keepe  the  power  and  authoritie  they  dyd  willingly  put 
into  his  handes : so  soone  as  he  had  destroyed  and  over- 
throwen  all  suche  as  woulde  unjustly  usurpe  the  govern- 
ment, he  dyd  immediately  of  his  owne  good  wyll,  franckly 
resigne  up  his  office  and  charge.  And  sure,  so  is  this  a 
notable  thyng  to  be  commended,  and  estemed  in  Paulus 
iEmylius : who  having  conquered  so  great  and  riche  a realme, 
he  never  increased  his  goodes  the  value  of  one  farthing,  nether 
dyd  see  nor  handle  any  mony  at  all,  although  he  was  very 
liberall,  and  gave  largely  unto  others.  I meane  not  in  speak- 
286 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


ing  this  to  upbrayde  or  detect  Timoleon,  for  that  he  accepted 
a fayre  house  the  Siracusans  gave  him  in  the  citie,  and  a 
goodly  mannor  also  in  the  countrie : for  in  such  cases  there 
is  no  dishonesty  in  receiving,  but  so  is  it  greater  honesty 
to  refuse,  then  to  take.  But  that  vertue  is  most  rare  and 
singuler,  where  we  see  they  will  receive  nor  take  nothing, 
though  they  have  justly  deserved  it.  And  if  it  be  so,  that 
the  body  is  stronger  and  better  compounded,  which  best 
abideth  chaunge  of  parching  heate,  and  nipping  cold : and 
that  the  mynde  is  much  more  stronger  and  stable,  that 
swelleth  not  up  with  pride  of  prosperitie,  nor  drowpeth 
for  sorowe  in  adversitie.  Then  it  appeareth,  that  iEmylius 
vertue  was  so  much  more  perfect,  in  that  he  shewed  him 
selfe  of  no  lesse  grave  and  constant  a mynde,  in  the  pacience 
he  endured  for  his  losse  and  sorowe  happened  unto  him  : 
(losyng  at  one  tyme  in  manner,  both  his  children)  then  he 
had  done  before,  in  al  his  triumphe  and  greatest  felicitie. 
Where  Timoleon  to  the  contrarye,  having  done  a worthie 
act  against  his  brother,  could  with  no  reasone  suppresse 
the  griefe  and  sorowe  he  felt : but  overcome  with  bitter 
griefe  and  repentaunce,  continued  the  space  of  twentie  yeeres 
togeather,  and  never  durst  once  only  shewe  his  face  againe 
in  the  market  place,  nor  deale  any  more  in  matters  of  the 
common  weale.  Truely,  for  a man  to  beware  to  doo  evil,  and 
to  shonne  from  evil,  it  is  a verie  good  and  comely  thyng : 
so  also  to  be  sorie,  and  a fearde  of  everye  reproche, 
and  ill  opinion  of  the  worlde,  it  sheweth  a simple- 
nesse  of  nature,  and  a good  and  well  disposed 
minde,  but  no  manly  corage. 


THE  ENDE  OF  TIMOLEONS  LIFE 


PAULUS 

jEMILIUS 

AND 

TIMOLEON 

Not  to  take 
giftes,  com- 
mended for 
a singuler 
vertue. 


iEmylius 
Constancie 
far  exceeded 
Timoleons. 


287 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


To  be  to  bold 
and  venturous 
is  not  good. 


The  aunswere 
of  a souldier 
to  king  Anti- 
gonus. 

Divers 
opinions  of 
life  and  death. 


THE  LIFE  OF  PELOPIDAS 


ATO  the  elder,  aunswered  certaine  on  a 
time,  that  marvelously  commended  a bolde, 
a venturous,  and  desperate  man  for  the 
warres:  that  there  was  great  oddes,  to 
esteeme  manhodde  so  muche,  and  lyfe  so 
litle.  And  surely  it  was  wisely  spoken 
of  him.  The  report  goeth,  that  king 
Antigonus  gave  paye  to  a souldier  among 
other,  that  was  very  hardie  and  venturous,  but  he  had  a 
noughtie  sickly  bodye.  The  king  asked  him  one  day,  what 
he  ayled  to  be  so  pale,  and  evill  cullered?  The  souldier 
told  him,  he  had  a secret  disease  upon  him,  that  he  might 
not  tell  him  with  reverence.  The  king  hearing  him  say  so, 
commaunded  his  Phisitions  and  Surgeons  to  looke  to  him, 
and  if  he  were  curable,  that  they  should  heale  him  with  all 
possible  speede  : and  so  they  dyd.  After  the  souldier  had  his 
health  againe,  he  would  venter  no  more  so  desperately  in  the 
warres,  as  he  dyd  before.  Insomuch,  king  Antigonus  selfe 
perceiving  his  slacknes,  and  drawing  backe,  rebuked  him,  and 
said  unto  him : that  he  wondred  to  see  so  great  a chaunge 
and  alteration  in  him.  The  souldier  never  shrinking  at  the 
matter,  told  him  the  troth  plainely.  Your  selfe,  and  it  please 
your  majestie,  is  cause  of  my  cowardlynes  now,  by  healing 
my  disease,  that  made  my  life  lothsome  to  me.  Much  like 
were  a Sibaritans  wordes,  towching  the  life  and  manner  of 
the  Lacedaemonians,  that  it  was  no  marvaill  they  had  such 
a desire  to  die  in  the  warres,  seeing  they  did  it  to  ridde  them 
selves  of  their  troubles,  and  most  miserable  and  straight 
life.  But  we  must  not  wonder  though  the  Sybaritans,  being 
womanish  men,  and  altogeather  geven  to  pleasure,  did  so 
thinke:  that  those  men  hated  their  lives,  who  feared  not 
death,  for  the  desire  they  had  to  doo  good,  and  goodwill 
they  had  to  doo  their  duetie.  Which  was  contrarie  in 
the  Lacedaemonians.  For  they  were  of  opinion,  that  to  live 
288 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

and  die  willingly,  was  a vertue : as  these  funerall  verses  PELOPIDAS 
doo  witnesse : 

The  dead  which  here  doe  rest,  did  not  in  life  esteeme, 

that  life  or  death  were  (of  them  selves)  or  good  or  bad  to  deme. 

But  even  as  life  did  end,  or  death  was  brought  to  passe, 
so  life  or  death,  was  good  or  bad,  this  their  opinion  was. 

And  in  deede  to  flye  death,  is  no  shame,  so  it  proceede  not  of 
a cowardly  hart : nether  to  desire  death  is  commendable,  if 
it  be  with  contempt  and  hate  of  life.  This  is  the  reason  why 
Homer  saith,  the  valliantest  men  are  ever  best  armed,  when 
they  come  to  battaile.  The  lawe  makers  among  the  Greecians,  Why  the 
doo  ever  punishe  him  that  castes  away  his  target,  but  never  Greecians  do 
him  that  casteth  away  his  sworde  or  lawnce.  For  every  man  Py^isJl  him 
must  first  thinke  to  defende  him  selfe,  before  he  seeke  to  awayChise 
hurt  his  enimie,  and  specially  such  as  have  the  whole  state  target, 
of  a realme  in  their  handes,  and  be  generalles  of  the  feeld. 

For  if  the  comparison  be  true,  that  Iphicrates  the  Athenian  Iphicrates 
captaine  made,  that  in  an  armie  of  men,  the  light  horsemen  comparison 
resemble  the  handes,  the  men  of  armes  the  feete,  the  battaill  ™ armie 
of  footemen  the  stomake  and  brest,  the  captaine,  the  head  of  0 men‘ 
a mans  body : it  seemeth  then,  that  the  venturous  captaine 
putting  him  selfe  in  daunger  with  out  cause,  is  not  onely 
careles  of  his  owne  life,  but  also  of  all  theirs  whose  lives 
depende  upon  his  saftie.  As  contrarily,  he  being  carefull  of 
his  owne  person,  cannot  but  be  carefull  of  his  souldiers  that 
serve  under  him.  Therefore  Callicratidas  a Lacedaemonian 
captaine,  and  a woorthie  man  otherwise,  did  unwisely  aun- 
swere  a soothsaier  that  bad  him  take  hede  to  him  selfe  : for 
the  signes  and  tokens  of  the  sacrifices  did  threaten  his  death. 

Sparta,  said  he,  standeth  not  upon  one  man  alone.  It  is  A lieuetenant 
true,  that  to  fight  by  sea  or  by  land  man  for  man,  Callicra-  an  armie 
tidas  was  but  one  man  of  him  selfe:  but  as  captaine  or 
lieuetenaunt  generall,  he  had  the  whole  power  and  force  of  sejfe 

the  armie  in  his  person.  For  he  was  not  a man  alone,  when 
so  manie  mens  lives  were  lost  with  his.  Now  olde  Antigonus 
was  of  a contrary  minde.  For  he  being  redie  to  geve  battell 
by  sea,  about  the  He  of  Andros,  made  a better  aunswer  to 
one  that  said  unto  him  : his  enemies  had  moe  shippes  then 
2 : 00  289 


PELOPIDAS 


Timotheus 

saying. 


Pelopidas  and 
Marcellus 
lost  both 
their  lives, 
by  to  much 
venturing. 


Pelopidas 
stock  and 
liberalitie. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

him  selfe.  For  how  many  shippes  doest  thou  recken  then  my 
selfe  ? said  he.  Therein  he  did  wisely  to  make  great  accompt 
of  the  worthines  of  a generall,  specially  when  it  is  joyned  with 
hardines,  and  experience.  For  the  chiefest  poynte  of  service, 
is  to  save  him,  that  saveth  all  other.  For  when  Chares 
on  a time  shewed  the  Athenians  openly,  the  sundrie  woundes 
and  cuttes  he  had  received  apon  his  body,  and  his  target 
also  thrust  through  with  many  piks  : Timotheus  straight 
said  unto  him,  Chares,  I am  not  of  thy  minde.  For  when  I 
did  besege  the  citie  of  Samos,  I was  ashamed  to  see  a darte 
throwne  from  the  walles,  light  hard  by  me,  for  that  I shewed 
my  selfe  a rashe  young  man,  and  more  venturous  then  became 
a generall  of  so  great  an  armie.  For  when  it  standeth  much 
apon  the  whole  armie,  and  that  it  is  necessarie  the  generall 
thereof  doo  put  him  selfe  in  daunger : then  he  should  put 
him  selfe  forwarde,  and  occupie  both  handes  and  body  with- 
out respect,  not  regarding  their  wordes  that  say,  a good  wise 
captaine  shoulde  die  for  age,  or  at  the  least  old.  But  where 
there  is  smal  honor  to  be  woone  by  very  good  successe,  and 
contrariewise  muche  losse  and  distruction  by  great  misfortune: 
no  man  of  wisedome  or  judgement  would  wish  a generall,  to 
fight  as  a private  souldier,  to  hazard  the  losse  of  a generall. 
I thought  good  therefore  to  make  this  preface  before  the 
lives  of  Pelopidas,  and  of  Marcellus,  both  which  were  woorthie 
men,  and  died  otherwise  then  they  shoulde.  For  they  both 
were  valliant  souldiers  in  the  fielde,  and  did  both  of  them 
honor  their  contrie  with  famous  victories,  and  specially 
against  great  and  dreadfull  enemies.  For  the  one  was  the 
first  (as  they  saie)  that  overthrewe  Hanniball,  who  was  never 
overcome  by  any  before.  And  the  other  also  overcame  the 
Lacedaemonians  in  battell,  that  ruled  al  Greece  at  that 
time  both  by  sea  and  by  land.  Yet  they  both  carelesly 
lost  their  lives,  by  venturing  to  boldely  : when  their  contrie 
stoode  in  greatest  neede  of  suche  men  and  captaines,  as  they 
were.  This  is  the  cause,  why  we  folowing  the  resemblaunce 
that  was  betweene  them,  have  compared  their  lives  together. 
Pelopidas,  the  sonne  of  Hippoclus,  came  of  one  of  the  noblest 
houses  of  the  citie  of  Thebes,  as  Epaminondas  did.  He  being 
brought  up  in  great  wealth,  his  father  left  him  heire  of  all 
290 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

his  landes  and  goodes,  being  but  a young  man.  So  he  straight  PELOPIDAS 

shewed  him  selfe  willing  to  doo  good  with  his  monie,  to 

those  that  needed  helpe,  and  were  worthie  : to  let  the  worlde 

see,  that  his  monie  was  not  his  maister.  For  as  Aristotle  Aristotles 

saith,  of  these  rich  men,  the  most  part  of  them  do  not  use  saying  of 

their  goods,  for  extreame  covetousnes : other  againe  doo  abuse  r*cl1  men# 

them,  as  being  geven  to  overmuche  pleasures.  So  riche  men 

became  slaves  all  their  life  time,  some  to  pleasure,  other  to 

profit.  Now,  al  Pelopidas  other  frendes  woulde  be  beholding 

to  him,  and  take  very  thanckfully  his  curtesie  and  liberalitie 

towardes  them.  But  Epaminondas  could  never  be  brought 

to  any  thing  at  his  handes.  Howbeit  Pelopidas  selfe  folowed 

Epaminondas  maner : for  he  tooke  a pride  and  pleasure  to 

goe  simply  appareled,  to  fare  meanely,  to  labor  willingly, 

and  to  make  warres  openly  as  he  did.  He  was  even  such 

another,  as  Euripides  the  Poet  described  Capaneus  to  be : 

when  he  said  of  him  : 

He  rich  and  welthie  was,  yet  was  he  therewithall, 
no  wight  that  purchast  worldly  hate,  nor  insolent  at  all. 

For  he  would  have  been  ashamed,  that  the  poorest  man  of 
the  cittie  of  Thebes,  shoulde  have  worne  meaner  apparell 
apon  his  backe,  then  him  selfe.  As  for  Epaminondas,  his 
povertie  was  not  daintie  to  him,  bicause  his  parentes  were 
ever  poore : and  yet  for  all  that  he  passed  it  over  more  easely, 
by  studie  of  Philosophic,  which  he  gave  him  selfe  unto,  and 
for  that  from  his  youth  he  liked  to  leade  a spare  life  without 
excesse.  Where  Pelopidas  matched  in  a noble  house,  and 
maryed  highly,  and  had  two  children  by  his  wife : neverthe- 
lesse  he  had  no  minde  to  keepe  or  increase  his  goodes  the 
more  for  that,  but  gave  him  selfe  altogeather  to  serve  the 
common  weale  as  long  as  he  lived.  By  reason  whereof  his 
wealth  decaied,  and  his  best  frendes  grewe  angrie  with  him, 
telling  him  how  he  did  not  well  to  make  no  more  reckoning 
of  a thing  that  was  so  necessarie,  as  to  have  goodes.  And  he 
aunswered  them  : In  dede  they  are  necessarie,  I doo  confesse  Pelopidas 
it,  but  yet  for  suche  a one,  as  this  poore,  lame,  and  blynd  saying  for 
man  that  standeth  by.  They  both  were  a like  borne  to  all  oTmonie 
vertue,  saving  that  Pelopidas  tooke  most  pleasure  in  exercise 

291 


PELOPIDAS 


The  perfit 
frendshippe 
betwixt  Pelo- 
pidas  and 
Epaminondas. 


The  true 
cause  of 
frendshippe. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

of  his  body  and  strength,  and  Epaminondas  in  the  exercise 
of  his  wit  and  learning.  So  as  the  pastyme  eche  of  them 
tooke  when  they  were  at  leasure,  was,  that  the  one  delighted 
to  wrastle,  and  to  hunte,  and  liked  any  kinde  of  exercise  of 
his  body : and  the  other  to  heare,  to  studie,  and  alwaies  to 
learne  some  thing  of  Philosophic.  But  among  all  the  excel- 
lent giftes  and  good  partes  in  either  of  them,  and  that  most 
wanne  them  honor  and  estimation  in  the  world,  they  were 
onely  commended,  and  singulerly  noted  of  wise  men,  for  the 
perfect  love  and  frendshippe  that  was  ever  invyolably  kept 
betwene  them,  until  their  deathes : having  been  joyned  to- 
geather  in  so  many  battels,  warres,  charges  of  armies,  and 
otherwise  in  matters  of  state  and  government.  For  if  a 
man  will  consider,  and  looke  into  the  doinges  of  Aristides, 
Themistocles,  and  Cimon,  of  Pericles,  Nicias,  and  Alcibiades, 
how  full  of  dissentions,  envies,  and  suspicions  they  were  one 
against  another  in  governing  the  common  weale : and  againe 
will  consider  the  love,  honour,  and  kindnesse,  that  continued 
alwaies  betwext  Pelopidas  and  Epaminondas : no  doubt  they 
will  saie  these  two  are  more  worthie  to  be  called  brethren  in 
warre,  (as  they  saie)  and  companions  in  government,  then 
any  of  them  we  have  named  before,  whose  care  and  studie 
was  alwaies  rather  to  overcome  one  another,  then  to  over- 
come their  enemies,  and  the  onely  cause  thereof  was  their 
vertue.  For  their  actes  shewed  they  did  not  seeke  glorie,  nor 
riches  for  them  selves  (the  covetousnes  whereof  doth  allwaies 
breede  quarrelles  and  envy)  but  both  of  them  from  the  begin- 
ning fell  one  in  love  with  an  other,  with  a great  kindenes  and 
estimation  of  them  selves,  to  see  their  contrie  florishe,  and 
growe  to  great  honor  through  their  service,  and  in  their 
time : and  so  they  reckoned  all  the  good  exploytes  both  of 
the  one  and  the  other,  that  tended  to  that  ende,  as  their 
owne.  The  most  part  of  writers  thinke,  this  great  and  earnest 
love  thone  did  beare  to  an  other,  did  growe  first  betwene 
them,  in  a jorney  they  made  togeather  unto  Mantinia,  to  ayde 
the  Lacedaemonians,  that  were  at  that  time  confederates  of 
the  Thebans.  For  they  being  both  set  in  battell  raye,  one 
hard  by  another  among  the  footmen,  against  the  Arcadians 
that  stoode  before  them : it  fortuned  that  the  point  of  the 
292 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


battell  of  the  Lacedaemonians  in  the  which  they  were,  gave 
backe,  and  many  of  them  ranne  away.  But  they  deter- 
myning  to  die  rather  then  to  flye,  stoode  close  together,  and 
fought  with  the  enemies  that  came  apon  them  : untyll  such 
time  as  Pelopidas  being  hurt  in  seven  places  before,  fell  downe 
at  the  last  upon  a heape  of  dead  bodies,  aswell  of  their  owne 
souldiers,  as  of  their  enemies,  even  one  apon  an  other.  Then 
Epaminondas  thinking  he  had  ben  slaine,  stept  notwithstand- 
ing before  him  to  defend  his  body  and  armor,  and  he  alone 
fought  against  many,  being  willing  to  die,  rather  then  to  for- 
sake Pelopidas  lying  amongest  the  dead  bodies : untyl  him 
selfe  being  thrust  into  the  brest  with  a pyke,  and  sore  cut  on 
his  arme  with  a swoorde,  was  even  ready  to  geve  over,  when 
Agesipolis  (king  of  the  Lacedaemonians,)  came  with  the  other 
poynt  of  the  battell  in  happie  howre,  who  saved  both  their 
lives  past  all  hope.  Now  after  this  battell,  the  Lacedae- 
monians both  in  wordes  and  deedes  did  curteously  intreate 
the  Thebans,  as  their  frendes,  and  confederates.  Notwith- 
standing, in  troth  they  beganne  to  feare  the  power  and  great 
corage  of  that  cittie,  and  specially  the  faction  and  associates 
Ismenias  and  Androclidas  had  set  up,  whereof  Pelopidas 
also  was  a companion  : bicause  they  thought  it  was  populer, 
and  inclined  muche  to  desire  libertie.  Whereupon  Archias, 
Leontidas,  and  Philip,  al  three  great  welthie  men  of  the 
cittie  of  Thebes,  and  misliking  to  be  equall  with  other 
cittizens  : did  perswade  Phoebidas,  a captaine  of  the  Lacedae- 
monians, that  going  and  comming  through  the  contrie  of 
Bceotia  with  an  armie,  he  would  one  day  assaie  to  take  the 
castell  of  Thebes  called  Cadmea,  and  driving  those  out  of  the 
cittie  that  would  resist  him,  he  would  put  the  government 
of  the  state  into  the  hands  of  a fewe  of  the  noblest  persones, 
who  would  be  at  the  devotion  of  the  Lacedaemonians,  and 
obey  them  in  all  thinges.  Phoebidas  brought  it  to  passe, 
and  did  worcke  his  feate  before  the  Thebans  mistrusted  any 
thing,  apon  a holy  day  called  Thesmophoria.  After  he  had 
wonne  the  castell,  he  apprehended  Ismenias,  and  sent  him  to 
Lacedaemon,  where  shortly  after  they  put  him  to  death. 
Pelopidas,  Pherenicus,  and  Androclidas,  with  many  other, 
saved  them  selves  by  flying,  and  were  banished  Thebes  by 

293 


PELOPIDAS 


Agesipolis, 
king  of  the 
Lacedaemo- 
nians. 


Cadmea,  the 
castel  of 
Thebes,  taken 
by  Phoebidas 
captaine  of 
the  Lacedae- 
monians. 


Ismenias 

death. 


PELOPIDAS 

Pelopidas, 
Pherenicus 
and  Andro- 
clidas, banish- 
ed from 
Thebes. 


Archias  and 
Leontidas, 
governers  of 
Thebes,  under 
the  Lacedae- 
monians. 


Androclidas 

slayne. 


The  thanck- 
fulnes  of  the 
Athenians 
unto  the 
Thebans. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

sounde  of  Trompet.  Epaminondas  taried  stil  in  Thebes, 
and  no  man  tutched  him,  for  they  made  small  accompt  of 
him,  bicause  he  was  altogether  geven  to  his  booke : and 
though  his  goodwill  had  served  him  to  have  done  some  feate, 
his  povertie  made  him  unable  to  doo  any  thing.  The  Lace- 
daemonians understanding  of  the  taking  of  the  castel,  did 
straight  put  Phoebidas  out  of  his  charge,  and  set  a fine  of  a 
hundred  thowsand  Drachmes  apon  his  head : but  yet  they 
kept  still  the  castell  of  Cadmea  in  their  handes  with  a great 
garrison.  All  the  other  citties  and  people  of  Greece  did 
wonder  much  at  it,  that  they  should  allowe  the  fact,  and 
punishe  notwithstanding  the  doer.  So  the  Thebans  having 
lost  their  auncient  libertie,  and  being  made  subject  by  both 
these,  Archias,  and  Leontidas,  so  as  all  hope  was  taken  from 
them  ever  to  winde  out  of  this  tyrannie,  or  at  any  time  to 
overthrowe  it,  seing  it  was  maintained  and  defended  by  the 
Lacedaemonians,  and  that  they  coulde  not  possibly  take  from 
them  all  the  seigniorie  and  dominion  they  had  throughout 
Greece,  aswell  by  sea  as  by  lande : Leontidas  and  his  fol- 
lowers notwithstanding,  when  they  understoode  that  they 
who  were  banished  from  Thebes,  were  very  wel  received  and 
entertained  of  the  people  at  Athens,  and  much  made  of  also 
of  the  nobilitie,  they  sought  secretly  by  treason  to  have  them 
kylled.  To  do  this  feate,  they  sent  certaine  men  unknowen 
unto  Athens,  who  by  treason  slue  Androclidas,  howbeit  they 
missed  the  kylling  of  the  other.  Furthermore,  the  Lace- 
daemonians wrote  to  the  Athenians,  that  they  should  not 
receive  suche  as  were  banished  from  Thebes,  nor  that  they 
shoulde  favor  them,  but  drive  them  out  of  their  cittie,  as 
those  which  by  their  allyes  were  justly  proclaimed  common 
enemies.  The  Athenians  notwithstanding,  being  men  alwaies 
civilly  geven,  and  inclined  in  nature  to  humanitie,  as  being 
borne  and  bred  up  withall,  and  very  desyrous  besides  to 
requite  the  Thebans  curtesy,  who  had  bene  the  chiefest 
meanes  and  doers  in  restoring  againe  the  populer  state  and 
government  at  Athens : they  would  by  no  meanes  offer  the 
Thebans  any  such  injurie,  seing  they  had  stablished  a lawe 
and  decree,  that  if  any  Athenian  passing  to  and  fro  through 
the  contrie  of  Boeotia,  did  beare  armor  against  the  thirtie 
294 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


tyrannes,  that  were  governors  and  oppressors  of  the  libcrtie 
of  Athens,  there  should  no  Boeotian  seeme  to  see,  or  knowe 
any  thing  therof.  In  the  meane  time  Pelopidas,  though  he 
were  of  the  younger  sort,  did  procure  still  every  one  that  was 
banished,  to  seeke  the  libertie  of  his  contrie,  and  openly 
made  an  oration  to  them  all,  declaring,  that  it  were  not  onely 
a cowardly  part,  but  also  a wicked  offence  to  the  goddes, 
if  they  would  suffer  their  contrie  to  remaine  so  in  continuall 
bondage,  and  straungers  to  inhabite  it  with  a garrison,  to 
make  them  subject  to  the  yoke:  and  they  in  the  meane 
time  to  be  contented  to  save  them  selves,  to  live  delicately 
and  idely  at  Athens,  to  studie  to  doe  what  shal  please  the 
Athenians  to  commaund  them,  and  to  be  affraide  of  the 
orators,  and  those  which  through  eloquence  can  perswade 
the  common  people  to  doo  what  they  lust.  Therefore  he 
perswaded  them  that  they  should  hazard  all,  being  a matter 
of  so  great  weight,  and  take  example  of  Thrasybulus  noble 
corage  and  hardynes  : who  departing  from  Thebes,  did  drive 
out  the  tyrannes  that  did  oppresse  Athens  : and  even  so, 
we  departing  from  Athens,  should  seeke  to  deliver  Thebes 
also  from  bondage.  When  he  had  by  these  perswasions 
drawen  them  to  his  opinion,  they  secretely  sent  unto  their 
frendes  that  remayned  still  in  Thebes,  to  let  them  under- 
stand their  minde  and  determination : who  all  lyked  very 
well  of  their  purpose.  Insomuche,  Charon  that  was  the 
chiefest  man  among  them,  promised  to  lende  them  his  house  to 
assemble  in.  Philidas  also  founde  meanes  to  be  secretarie  to 
Philip  and  Archias,  who  were  governers  and  captaines  of  the 
city  at  that  time  for  the  Lacedaemonians.  Epaminondas 
on  thother  side  making  no  shewe  of  any  thing,  had  of  longe 
time  practised  to  styrre  up  the  corage  of  the  younge  men 
of  Thebes.  For  when  they  were  at  any  games  or  exercises  of 
bodye,  he  woulde  ever  procure  them  to  wrastle  with  the 
Lacedaemonians.  And  after  he  sawe  them  rejoy ce  when  they 
had  cast  them,  and  that  they  were  the  stronger : he  would 
chide  them,  and  tell  them  they  might  be  ashamed,  for  lacke 
of  corage,  to  suffer  the  Lacedaemonians  to  hold  their  noses  to 
the  gryndstone,  that  were  nothing  like  to  them  in  strength. 
Now,  the  confederates  appointed  a day  certen,  to  breake  the 

295 


PELOPIDAS 


Pelopidas 
counsel  for 
the  libertie  of 
the  Thebans. 


PELOPIDAS 

Conspiracie 
against  the 
Lacedae- 
monians, for 
the  libertie 
of  Thebes. 


Charon  kept 
promise,  with 
daunger  of 
life. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

ise  of  their  pretended  enterprise,  and  agreed  that  Pherenicus, 
with  other  that  were  banished,  shoulde  tarie  at  the  village  of 
Thriasium,  and  that  they  should  sende  the  valliauntest  and 
lustest  young  men  before,  to  geve  the  venter  to  enter  the 
cittie : adding  this  therewithal!,  that  if  the  enemies  fortuned 
to  surprise  them,  all  the  other  of  the  conspiracie  joyntly 
togeather,  should  be  ready  to  geve  order,  that  their  fathers, 
mothers,  and  children,  should  lacke  nothing  necessarie  for 
them.  Pelopidas  was  the  first  man  offered  him  selfe  to  under- 
take the  enterprise  : and  after  him  Melon,  Damoclidas,  and 
Theopompus,  all  three,  men  of  the  greatest  houses  of  Thebes, 
who  loved  marvelously  togeather,  and  for  no  respect  would 
ever  offend  one  another,  although  from  the  beginning  there 
was  ever  emulation  among  them  for  honor  and  glory,  by 
striving  who  should  exceede  other  in  vertue  and  avalliantnes. 
Now  they  were  twelve  of  them,  who  taking  leave  of  the  rest, 
sent  a foote  post  before  to  Charon,  to  advertise  him  of  their 
comming : and  they  them  selves  went  on  their  jorney  cast- 
ing litle  short  clokes  apon  them,  and  taking  houndes  with 
them,  and  hunters  staves  in  their  handes,  bicause  their 
enterprise  should  not  be  mistrusted  by  those  that  met  them 
on  the  way,  and  that  they  should  thinke  them  hunters  up 
and  downe  the  feildes  for  their  pleasure.  So,  when  their 
messenger  they  sent  came  to  the  cittie,  and  had  tolde  Charon 
that  they  were  comming : he  never  shronke  from  his  worde, 
though  the  daunger  towarde  was  great,  but  like  a stowt  and 
honest  man  did  abide  by  his  promise  he  made,  and  tolde 
him  they  should  be  most  hartely  welcom  to  his  house.  But 
another  man  called  Hipposthenidas,  very  honest  otherwise, 
and  one  that  loved  his  contry  and  the  preservation  thereof, 
and  a good  frend  of  those  also  that  were  banished  : fainting 
straight  apon  the  sodaine  report  of  these  newes,  and  his 
minde  was  troubled,  and  his  hart  fayled  him  so,  as  his  nose 
fell  a bleeding,  to  thinke  apon  the  greatnes  of  the  instant 
daunger  he  was  like  to  fal  into,  having  never  cast  before 
with  him  selfe,  how  by  this  enterprise  they  shoulde  put 
all  the  empire  of  the  Lacedaemonians  in  hazard  of  utter 
destruction,  and  laye  a plat  besides  to  overthrowe  all  their 
owne  common  weale  and  state,  bv  laying  al  their  hope  apon 
296 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


a fewe  banished  men,  hardly  able  to  wade  through  with  their 
enterprise.  Whereupon,  so  sone  as  he  was  come  home,  he 
secretly  dispatched  a messenger,  one  of  his  familliar  trends, 
unto  Melon  and  Pelopidas,  to  will  them  they  should  deferre 
their  enterprise  for  better  oportunitie,  and  so  to  returne 
backe  again  to  Athens.  Chlidon  was  the  man  he  sent  of 
this  message,  who  presently  went  home  to  his  house : and 
taking  his  horse  out  of  the  stable,  bad  his  wife  fetche  him  the 
brydell  quickly.  The  brydell  not  being  readily  to  be  founde, 
she  told  him  she  had  lent  it  out  to  one  of  their  neighbours. 
Then  they  fell  a chiding  together  about  it,  and  at  length 
brake  out  to  fowle  wordes,  and  lastely  his  wife  fell  a cursing 
of  him,  and  prayed  the  goddes  he  might  have  ill  lucke  in  his 
jorney,  and  those  that  sent  him.  Chlidon  having  spent  the 
most  part  of  the  day,  chiding  and  brawling  with  his  wife 
about  the  brydell,  and  furthermore  misliking  the  tokens 
of  his  wives  cursing  and  banning  of  him : he  determined 
not  to  goe  a foote  out  of  the  dores  of  that  arrant,  and  so 
went  about  some  other  busines.  Thus  had  this  noble  enter- 
prise in  manner  bene  altogeather  dashed,  before  it  was 
fully  begonne.  Nowe  those  that  were  in  Pelopidas  com- 
panie,  chaunged  apparell  with  the  contrie  men,  bicause 
they  woulde  not  be  knowen,  and  did  devide  them  selves, 
for  that  they  would  not  come  into  the  cittie  all  together, 
but  at  divers  gates,  beinge  day  light.  At  that  time  it 
was  a mervelous  winde  and  great  snowe,  and  the  weather 
was  so  boysterous,  that  every  man  got  him  within  dores : 
which  fell  out  happily  for  the  conspirators,  that  they  were 
not  knowen  when  they  came  into  the  cittie.  So  their 
frendes  and  confederates  within  the  citie  receaved  them  as 
they  came,  and  brought  them  to  Charons  house  : where  were 
assembled  together,  with  those  that  were  banished,  eight 
and  forty  persones  only.  Now  for  the  tyrans,  thus  stoode 
the  matter  with  them.  Philidas  their  secretary  was  of  the 
conspiracy,  as  we  have  told  you  before,  and  he  knewe  all  the 
practise.  Wherefore  he  had  longe  before  solemnely  bidden 
Archias  and  his  companie,  to  supper  to  his  house  that  verie 
night,  to  be  mery  together,  and  had  promised  to  entertaine 
them  with  women  to  welcome  them  with  all : of  purpose, 
2 : PP  297 


PELOPIDAS 


Pelopidas 
commeth 
into  Thebes 
disgised 
in  cloynes 
apparel. 


Philidas 
secretary  to 
the  tyrans. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

PELOPIDAS  that  when  they  had  in  their  full  cuppes,  and  were  in  the 
middest  of  all  their  pleasure,  the  conspirators  might  then 
use  them  as  they  woulde.  So  they  beinge  sette  at  table, 
before  they  were  sped  of  their  cuppes,  one  came  to  them,  and 
told  them  truely  of  the  treason  (not  particularities,  neither 
as  a thinge  certaine,  but  of  a rumor  onely  that  ranne 
abroade  in  the  towne)  howe  the  banished  men  were  hidden 
in  Charons  house.  Philidas  woulde  have  passed  the  matter 
over.  Howbeit  Archias  would  nedes  sende  one  of  his  garde 
straight  for  Charon,  to  commaunde  him  to  come  to  him 

Pelopidas  presently.  It  was  within  night,  and  Pelopidas  and  his 

daunger.  company  prepared  themselves  to  worke  their  feate,  being 
armed  every  man,  and  their  swords  in  their  hands,  when 
apon  a sodaine  they  heard  one  knocke  at  the  gate.  And 
one  of  the  house  runninge  straight  to  the  gate,  came  backe 
againe  afearde  to  tell  them  that  it  was  one  of  Archias  garde 
that  came  for  Charon,  to  come  immediatly  to  the  govemours. 
Then  were  they  in  doubt  that  their  practise  was  discovered, 
and  that  they  were  all  cast  away,  before  they  coulde  make 
any  proofe  of  their  valliantnes : notwithstanding,  they  were 
all  of  opinion,  that  Charon  should  obey  the  message,  and 
that  he  should  present  himselfe  before  the  governors,  to  take 
away  all  suspition  from  them.  Charon  of  him  selfe  was  a 
stout  man,  very  constant,  and  resolute  in  daunger  for  his 
owne  persone : yet  it  greved  him  much  at  that  time,  for 
feare  the  confederates  shoulde  suspect  him  he  hadde  be- 
wrayed them,  if  so  many  honest  citizens  whom  he  had  lent  his 
house  unto,  should  unfortunately  miscarie.  Therefore  before 
he  went  out  of  his  house,  he  went  into  his  wives  chamber  to 
fetch  his  sonne,  that  was  a goodly  boy,  but  strong  as  any 
boy  of  his  age  could  be : so  he  brought  him  to  Pelopidas, 
and  prayed  him,  if  he  understoode  that  he  had  betrayed 
them  any  way,  or  otherwise  had  sought  their  hurt,  they 
shoulde  then  use  his  sonne  as  an  enemie  without  any  com- 
passion towardes  him.  When  the  confederates  saw  the 
good  zeale  and  true  noble  mind  of  Charon,  they  all  fell  a 
weping,  and  were  angrie  with  him,  that  he  should  thinke 
any  of  them  so  faint  harted,  or  timerous,  for  any  daunger 
coulde  come  to  them,  that  they  shoulde  suspect  or  accuse 
298 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

him  for  any  thinge : and  therewith  all  they  prayed  him,  not  PELOPIDAS 
to  leave  the  boye  with  them,  but  rather  to  convey  him  into 
some  place  out  of  the  tyrans  daunger,  where  he  might  be 
brought  up,  that  one  day  he  might  be  revenged  of  the  wrong 
and  injurie  they  had  done  to  them,  and  to  their  contrie. 

Charon  aunswered  them,  he  woulde  not  take  him  away,  and 
that  he  saw  no  life  nor  health  more  happy  for  him,  then  to 
dye  with  his  father  without  infamy,  and  with  so  many  honest 
men  his  trends.  So  after  he  had  besought  the  goddes  to 
prosper  them,  and  hadde  encouraged  and  embraced  everie 
one  of  the  confederators  one  after  an  other  : He  went  to  the 
governors,  and  studied  by  the  way  so  to  frame  his  wordes 
and  countenance,  as  though  he  shoulde  seeme  to  thinke  of 
any  thinge  else,  then  of  that  he  purposed  to  do.  When  he 
came  to  Philidas  dore  that  made  the  feast,  Archias  and 
Philidas  him  selfe  came  unto  him,  and  asked  him : Charon, 
what  are  they  (sayd  they)  that  are  come  into  the  city,  and 
hidden  in  some  house,  with  certaine  citizens  that  do  accom- 
pany them  ? Charon  was  somewhat  abashed  at  the  first, 
and  asked  them  againe  : What  men  be  they  ? who  are  they 
that  hides  them  in  the  citie  ? But  when  he  perceived  that 
Archias  coulde  tell  nothinge  of  certaintie,  then  he  thought 
straight  that  some  man  hadde  informed  them  that  was  not 
privie  to  the  practise,  but  hadde  hearde  some  thinge  of  it. 

Thereupon  he  willed  them  to  take  heede  it  was  no  false 
alarome,  to  make  them  afrayed:  Neverthelesse  (sayd  he)  I will 
enquire  further  of  it : for  at  all  adventure  it  is  good  to  be 
circumspect  in  such  a case  to  be  sure.  Philidas  aunswered 
him,  he  said  truely  : and  so  he  brought  Archias  backe  againe 
into  the  hall,  where  he  made  him  drinke  deeper  than  before, 
still  entertaining  the  company  with  hope  of  the  womens 
comming.  Charon  returning  home  againe,  found  all  the 
confederats  ready  to  attempt  their  enterprise,  not  as  men  that 
reckened  of  their  lives,  nor  that  had  any  hope  to  prevaile : 
but  as  those  that  were  determined  to  dye  valliantly,  and  to 
sell  their  lives  dearly.  Now  he  truely  tolde  unto  Pelopidas 
onely,  what  was  said  unto  him  and  the  rest : he  told  that 
Archias  had  sent  for  him  to  speake  with  him,  of  other 
matters.  The  storme  of  the  former  daunger  was  scant 

299 


PELOPIDAS 


Archias 
Bishop  of 
Athens,  be- 
wraieth  the 
treason  to 
Archias  in 
a letter. 


Waighty 
matters  to 
morrow,  Prov. 

Pelopidas 
killeth  the 
tyrans. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

blowen  over,  but  fortune  sent  them  an  other.  For  im- 
mediatly  uppon  talke  had  with  Charon  at  the  first,  came 
a messenger  from  Athens,  that  brought  a letter  to  the  same 
Archias,  written  by  the  Bishop  of  Athens  at  that  time, 
called  Archias  also  as  him  selfe,  and  was  his  old  hoste  and 
frende:  wherein  he  wrote  not  of  simple  conjecture,  nor 
surmised  suspition,  but  the  plaine  conspiracy  in  every 
degree,  as  afterwards  it  fell  out.  So  the  messenger  was 
brought  to  Archias  that  was  dronke,  and  deliveringe  him 
the  letter,  he  said  unto  him  : Sir,  he  that  sendeth  you  this 
letter,  straightly  charged  me  to  tel  you,  that  you  should 
presently  read  the  contents  thereof,  because  it  is  a matter 
of  great  importance.  Archias  laughing  sayd  unto  him : 
Waighty  matters  to  morrow.  So  he  tooke  the  letter  and  put 
it  up,  and  then  fell  againe  to  his  tale  he  had  begonne  with 
Philidas.  But  ever  after,  the  Greecians  made  this  a common 
proverbe  among  them  : Waighty  matters  to  morrow.  Now 
when  the  conspirators  spied  their  time  to  go  about  their 
businesse,  they  devided  them  selves  in  two  companies. 
Pelopidas  and  Damoclidas  went  with  one  company,  to  sette 
upon  Leontidas  and  Hypates,  because  they  dwelt  nere  to- 
gether: Charon  and  Melon  with  the  rest,  went  against 
Archias  and  Philip,  beinge  disguised  in  womens  apparell 
they  had  put  upon  their  privy  cotes,  and  wearing  garlands 
of  pyne  apple  and  fyrre  trees  on  their  heads,  that  covered  all 
their  faces.  So  when  they  came  to  shew  them  selves  at  the 
hall  dore  where  the  bancket  was  made,  they  that  were  in 
the  hall  at  the  first  sight,  thinking  they  had  beene  the 
women  they  looked  for,  beganne  to  showte,  and  made  great 
noyse  and  joye.  But  when  the  conspirators  cast  their  eyes 
rounde  about  the  hall  to  knowe  those  which  were  at  the 
table,  they  drew  out  their  swordes,  and  set  uppon  Archias 
and  Philip  overthwart  the  table : then  they  shewed  them 
selves  what  they  were.  Then  Philidas  bad  his  guestes  he 
hadde  bidden  to  the  bancket  with  them,  that  they  shoulde 
not  stirre,  for  they  shoulde  have  no  hurt : so  some  of  them 
sate  still.  But  the  greatest  nomber  of  them  woulde  needes 
from  the  borde,  to  defende  their  governours.  Howebeit 
bicause  they  were  so  dronke  that  they  knewe  not  what  they 
300 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

did,  they  were  soone  slaine  with  them.  Now  Pelopidas 
enterprise  was  not  so  easie.  For  they  went  against  Leontidas, 
that  was  a sober  discrete  man,  and  withall,  hardy  of  his 
handes  : and  they  found  he  was  gone  to  bed,  his  dores  were 
shut  up,  and  they  knocked  long  before  any  man  came  to  the 
dore.  At  the  length,  one  of  his  men  that  hearde  them 
rappe  so  hard,  with  much  a do  came  to  open  the  dore  : but 
he  had  no  sooner  thrust  backe  the  bolt  of  the  dore,  and 
beganne  to  open  it,  but  they  pushed  it  from  them  with 
such  a force  apon  him  altogether,  that  they  layed  him 
on  the  grounde,  and  went  straight  to  his  maisters  chamber. 
Leontidas  hearinge  the  noyse  of  them  that  ranne  uppe  to 
him  in  such  hast,  presently  mistrusted  the  matter:  and 
leaping  out  of  his  bed,  tooke  his  sworde  in  his  hande,  but 
did  forget  to  put  out  the  lampes  that  burned  in  his  chamber 
all  night,  for  if  they  hadde  beene  out,  they  might  easily  have 
hurt  one  an  other  in  the  darke.  But  the  lampes  givinge 
cleare  light  in  the  chamber,  he  went  to  the  chamber  dore, 
and  gave  Cephisodorus,  the  first  man  that  pressed  to  enter 
apon  him,  such  a blowe  with  his  sword,  that  he  dropped 
downe  dead  at  his  feete.  Havinge  slaine  the  first  man,  he 
dealt  with  the  seconde  that  came  after  him,  and  that  was 
Pelopidas.  The  fight  went  hard  betwene  them  two,  bothe  for 
that  the  chamber  dore  was  verie  straight,  as  also  for  that 
Cephisodorus  body  lying  on  the  ground,  did  choke  the  com- 
ming  in  at  the  chamber.  Notwithstandinge,  Pelopidas 
overcame  him  in  the  ende,  and  slue  him  : and  went  from 
thence  with  his  companie,  straight  to  Hypates  house,  where 
they  got  in,  as  they  did  into  Leontidas  house  before.  But 
Hypates  knewe  presently  what  it  was,  and  thought  to  save 
him  selfe  in  his  neighbours  houses.  Howbeit  the  conspirators 
followed  him  so  harde,  that  they  cutte  him  of  before  he 
coulde  recover  their  houses.  Then  they  gathered  together, 
and  joyned  with  Melons  company,  and  sent  immediatly  with 
all  possible  speede  to  Athens,  to  the  banished  Thebans  there, 
and  cried  through  the  city,  Liberty,  liberty,  arming  those 
citizens  that  came  to  them,  with  the  armor  and  spoyles 
of  their  enemies,  that  were  hanged  up  in  common  vawtes, 
and  armorers  shops  about  Charons  house,  which  they  brake 

301 


PELOPIDAS 


The  liberty  of 
the  Thebans 
restored. 


PELOPIDAS 


Pelopidas  re- 
ceiveth  the 
Castell  of 
Cadmea  by 
Composition. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

open,  or  caused  to  be  opened  by  force.  On  the  other  side, 
Epaminondas,  and  Gorgidas,  came  to  joyne  with  them,  with 
a company  of  young  men  and  honest  olde  men  well  appointed, 
whom  they  had  gathered  together.  Hereupon,  the  whole  citie 
was  straight  in  an  uprore  and  tumult,  and  every  house  was 
full  of  lights,  one  running  to  an  other  to  know  what  the 
matter  was.  Nevertheles  the  people  did  not  yet  assemble 
together,  but  every  one  being  amazed,  musing  at  this  stur, 
not  understanding  the  troth,  staied  untill  day  came  on,  that 
they  might  call  a counsell.  But  truely  herein,  me  thinkes 
the  Captaines  of  the  garrison  of  the  Lacedaemonians  were 
greatly  in  fault,  that  they  did  not  sturre  betimes,  and  set 
upon  them  incontinently : consideringe  they  were  xv.  hundred 
souldiers,  besides  a great  number  of  citizens  that  would  have 
come,  one  after  an  other  to  take  their  partes.  But  the  great 
noyse  they  heard,  made  them  afeard,  and  to  see  lights  in 
every  mans  house,  and  the  people  running  up  and  down  the 
streets  in  great  multitudes  to  and  fro : wherupon  they  stirred 
not,  but  only  kept  them  within  the  castel  of  Cadmea.  The 
next  morninge  by  breake  of  day,  came  the  other  banished 
Thebans  from  Athens  very  wel  armed,  and  al  the  people  of 
Thebes  drew  together  in  counsail.  Thither  did  Epaminondas 
and  Gorgidas  bring  Pelopidas,  and  his  consorts,  and  pre- 
sented them  before  the  people,  compassed  about  with  priests 
and  the  professed  of  the  city,  offering  them  crownes  to  put 
upon  their  heads,  and  they  praied  the  assembly  of  the 
citizens,  that  they  would  help  their  gods,  and  their  contrie. 
Al  the  people  that  were  present,  when  they  saw  them,  rose 
up,  and  stoode  on  their  feete,  and  with  great  showtes  and 
clapping  of  hands  received  them,  as  their  saviours,  that  had 
delivered  their  contry  from  bondage,  and  restored  them  again 
to  liberty : and  therupon,  before  them  al,  even  in  the  market 
place,  by  the  whole  voice  and  consent  of  the  people,  they 
chose  Pelopidas,  Melon,  and  Charon,  governors  and  captaines 
of  all  Bceotia.  Pelopidas  then  immediatly  made  them 
besiege  the  castell  of  Cadmea  about,  with  trenches,  and  force 
of  wod,  doing  al  he  could  possible  to  winne  it,  and  to  expulse 
the  Lacedaemonians,  before  any  supply  and  aide  came  to 
them  from  Sparta.  So  he  did,  and  prevented  it  so  sodainly, 
302 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

that  the  garrison  being  departed  out  of  the  castel  by  com- 
position, as  they  returned  towards  Lacedaemonia,  they  found 
Cleombrotus  king  of  Sparta  in  the  contry  of  Megara, 
comming  towards  them  with  a great  army  to  help  them. 
Afterward,  of  the  three  captaines  which  had  charge  of  their 
garrison  that  lay  at  Thebes,  the  Spartans  condemned  two  of 
them  to  death : Hermippidas,  and  Arcissus,  were  presently 
executed:  and  the  third  captaine,  Dysaoridas,  they  set  so 
greevous  a fyne  on  his  head,  that  he  went  out  of  Pelo- 
ponesus.  This  enterprise  being  attempted,  and  executed  with 
the  like  valiantnes,  and  the  same  daunger  and  trouble,  that 
Thrasybulus  practise  was,  when  he  delivered  Athens  from 
the  slavery  of  the  thirty  governors  and  tyrans,  and  having 
the  like  fortune,  and  happy  ende : the  Grecians  termed  it 
cosyn  german  to  Thrasybulus  act.  And  in  deede  it  were 
a harde  matter  to  find  two  other  such,  besides  them  two, 
that  with  so  few  men  overcame  their  enemies,  being  many  moe 
in  nomber  then  them  selves,  or  that  with  so  small  help  did 
overcome  those  that  were  of  so  great  force,  or  that  performed 
their  enterprise  with  their  only  valiantnes  and  wisedom,  and 
were  cause  besides  of  so  great  blessing  and  benefit  to  their 
contry,  as  Pelopidas  and  Thrasybulus  attempt  was.  But  the 
great  chaunge  and  alteracion  of  the  state  afterwards,  did 
make  their  actes  farre  more  noble  and  famous.  For  the 
warre  that  overthrew  the  majestie  of  Sparta,  and  that  tooke 
away  al  the  seigniorie  and  rule  of  the  Lacedaemonians  bothe 
by  sea  and  by  land,  beganne  the  very  same  night,  when 
Pelopidas  him  self  making  the  twelvt  person,  and  entring 
into  a private  house,  (taking  nether  citie,  nor  castel,  nor 
stronge  hold)  to  tel  truly  by  figurative  speach,  did  breake 
and  cut  in  sonder  the  linkes  and  chaynes  that  lincked  straight 
together,  and  strengthened  the  Lacedaemonians  whole  empire 
and  monarchic  over  al  Greece  : who  until  that  present  time 
were  thought  so  strong,  as  no  possibilitie  could  breake  or 
sonder  them.  Now  the  Lacedaemonians  fortuning  after- 
wards to  invade  the  contry  of  Boeotia  with  a mighty  army : 
the  Athenians  trembling  for  feare  of  their  great  power,  did 
utterly  leave  to  protect  them,  and  renownced  the  league  and 
alliance  they  had  made  before  with  them.  And  moreover, 

303 


PELOPIDAS 


Pelopidas 
overthrewe 
the  seigniorie 
of  the  Lace- 
daemonians. 


PELOPIDAS 


Pelopidas 
policy  to  make 
the  Athenians 
fall  out 
againe  with 
the  Lacedae- 
monians. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

they  did  straightly  prosecute  law  against  those,  that  were 
accused  to  take  part  with  the  Boeotians  : wherof  some  of 
them  were  put  to  death,  other  were  banished  from  Athens, 
and  the  rest  condemned  in  great  summes  of  money.  To  be 
short,  every  man  sayd  the  Thebans  were  but  undone,  con- 
sidering they  had  no  help,  and  were  beloved  besides  of  none. 
At  that  present  time  it  fel  out  Pelopidas  and  Gorgidas  were 
generals  over  al  Boeotia  for  that  yere,  who  devising  to  throw 
a bone  betwixt  the  Athenians  and  the  Lacedaemonians 
again,  to  make  them  square,  they  used  this  policie.  There 
was  a captaine  of  the  Lacedaemonians  called  Sphodrias,  a 
valliant  man,  but  else  of  smal  capacity,  and  vainly  given, 
having  a certen  fond  ambition  and  humor,  perswading  him 
selfe  he  had  done  some  notable  good  service  in  his  time.  This 
Sphodrias  was  left  in  the  city  of  Thespies,  with  a great  band 
of  souldiers,  to  receave  and  favor  al  the  Boeotians,  that  had 
a minde  to  revolte  from  the  Thebans.  Pelopidas  of  him  selfe 
sent  a marchaunt,  (a  very  frende  of  his)  unto  Sphodrias,  with 
a great  some  of  money  from  him,  and  certaine  perswasions 
withall,  which  prevailed  more  then  the  money,  wishinge 
him  to  attempt  some  greater  matter,  and  to  seke  to  winne 
the  haven  of  Pirae  : a thing  soone  wonne,  if  he  came  to 
assault  it  on  the  sodaine,  and  the  rather,  for  that  the  Athe- 
nians mistruste  nothinge,  neither  keepe  watch  nor  ward 
there.  Moreover,  that  he  might  assure  him  selfe,  nothinge 
coulde  be  better  welcome  to  the  lords  of  Lacedaemonia,  then 
to  make  them  lords  of  the  city  of  Athens  also.  And  againe, 
that  the  Thebans,  being  at  deadly  foode  with  the  Athenians, 
for  that  they  had  betraied  and  forsaken  them  in  their  nede, 
would  not  aide  nor  succor  them  in  any  respect.  Sphodrias 
giving  to  light  eare  to  this  vaine  perswasion,  tooke  the 
souldiers  he  had  with  him,  and  marching  away  by  night, 
entred  the  realme  of  Attica,  and  went  on  to  the  city  of 
Eleusin  : but  when  he  came  thither,  his  souldiers  were  afeard, 
and  would  go  no  further.  So  his  purpose  beinge  discovered, 
he  was  forced  to  returne  backe  to  Thespies,  having  raised 
such  a warre  to  the  Lacedaemonians,  as  fel  out  to  be  of  no 
small  importance  to  them,  nor  easie  to  be  pacified.  For 
after  that  time,  the  Athenians  sought  league  and  amity 
304 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

againe  with  the  Thebans,  and  did  aide  them  very  lovingly : 
and  moreover,  putting  them  selves  to  sea,  they  sailed  up  and 
downe,  procuring  and  drawing  to  their  league  all  such,  as 
were  willing  to  rebell  against  the  Lacedaemonians : and  the 
Thebans  besides,  had  many  prety  skirmishes  with  the  Lace- 
daemonians in  the  meane  time,  in  their  own  contry  of  Bceotia. 
It  is  true  they  came  to  no  great  battels,  but  yet  it  was  such 
a great  learning  and  continual  training  of  them  in  marshall 
discipline,  as  the  Thebans  stil  increased  in  corage  and 
valliantnes,  and  waxed  stronger  and  better  souldiers  : for  by 
those  skirmishes  they  grewe  not  onely  expert  souldiers,  but 
waxed  more  skilfull  in  using  their  weapons,  then  before.  As 
we  read,  that  Antalcidas  a Spartan  said  one  day  to  king 
Agesilaus,  comminge  home  sore  hurt  from  Boeotia:  Surely 
the  Thebans  have  given  you  a worthy  reward,  for  teaching 
them  to  be  souldiours  against  their  wils.  But  to  say  truly, 
Agesilaus  was  not  their  maister  to  teache  them  to  make  wars, 
but  they  were  the  good  and  wise  leaders  of  the  Thebans,  who 
like  good  wod  men  in  choosing  their  game,  could  skilfully 
choose  both  time  and  place  to  give  their  enemies  battel,  and 
make  them  retire  again  with  safety,  after  they  had  bin 
fleshed,  giving  them  a litle  tast  of  the  frutes  and  commodity 
of  victory  : but  among  them,  Pelopidas  was  he  that  deserved 
most  honor  and  glory.  For,  since  the  first  time  they  gave 
him  charge  of  men  of  warre,  they  never  failed,  but  chose  him 
continually  every  yeare,  either  Captaine  of  the  holy  bande, 
or  governor  of  Bceotia  so  long  as  he  lived  : so  that  Pelopidas 
only  did  the  most  things  in  this  warre.  The  Lacedaemonians 
were  overthrowen  in  sundry  jorneis,  that  they  were  distressed 
by  the  cities  of  Platees,  and  of  Thespies,  where  Phoebidas 
himselfe  (that  had  before  taken  the  castell  of  Cadmea)  was 
slaine  amongst  other.  An  other  great  power  of  theirs  also 
was  overthrowen  nere  to  the  city  of  Tanagra,  where  Pan- 
thoidas  governor  of  the  same,  was  also  slaine.  Now  all  these 
victories,  though  they  much  encoraged  the  hearts  of  the  con- 
querors, and  made  them  hardy : yet  did  they  not  therby 
altogether  conquer  the  mindes  of  the  vanquished.  For  the 
Lacedaemonians  were  not  overcome  in  any  pitched  field,  nor 
set  battel,  where  they  had  their  whole  army  together : but 
2 : QQ  305 


PELOPIDAS 


The  Thebans 
exercise  in 
armes. 


Antalcidas 
saying  to  king 
Agesilaus. 


The  victory  of 
the  Thebans 
against  the 
Lacedae- 
monians. 


PELOPIDAS 


Pelopidas 
victory  of  the 
Lacedae- 
monians at 
the  battaile 
of  Tegyra. 


Melas  fl. 


Latona 
brought  to 
bed  betwene 
two  springes 
called  the 
Palme,  and 
the  Olive. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

they  were  light  rodes,  and  skirmishes  properly  laid  of  purpose, 
where  somtime  flying,  somtime  driving  them  againe,  they 
bickered  very  oft,  and  put  them  to  the  worst.  But  the  battell 
of  Tegyra,  which  was  but  a florish  and  profe  to  the  journey  of 
Leuctres,  wan  Pelopidas  great  honor.  For  he  had  no  com- 
panion to  chalenge  any  part  of  his  glory  and  victory,  neither 
did  he  leave  his  enemies  any  lawful  excuse,  to  shadow  or 
cover  their  overthrow.  For  he  spied  al  occasion  he  might 
possible,  how  to  take  the  city  of  Orchomene,  that  tooke  part 
with  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  had  received  two  ensignes  of 
footemen  of  theirs  to  kepe  it.  Pelopidas  being  advertised 
one  day,  that  the  garrison  of  Orchomene  was  gone  abroad  to 
make  a rode  into  the  contrey  of  the  Locrides,  hoping  he 
shuld  finde  Orchomene  without  garrison  : he  marched  thither 
with  his  holy  band,  and  certaine  number  of  horsemen.  But 
when  he  drew  neere  the  city,  he  had  intelligence  there  was 
another  garrison  comming  from  Sparta,  to  supply  the  place  of 
the  garrison  that  was  abroad : wherupon  he  returned  backe 
againe  by  the  city  of  Tegyra,  for  he  could  have  passed  no 
other  way,  but  to  have  turned  down  by  the  foote  of  the  moun- 
taine.  For  al  the  valley  that  lay  betwen  both,  was  drowned 
with  the  overflowing  of  the  river  of  Melas,  which  even  from 
his  very  hed  carieth  ever  such  bredth  with  it,  as  it  maketh 
the  marishes  navigable,  so  as  it  is  unpassable  for  any  shallow 
it  hath.  Not  far  from  these  marishes,  standeth  the  temple  of 
Apollo  Tegyrian,  where  was  an  oracle  in  old  time,  but  left  of 
at  this  day,  and  had  never  long  continuance,  but  only  untill 
the  time  of  the  warres  of  the  Medes,  when  Echecrates  was 
maister  and  chiefe  priest  there.  And  some  holde  opinion, 
that  Apollo  was  borne  there : for  they  cal  the  next  moun- 
taine  to  it,  Delos,  at  the  foote  wherof  the  marishes  of  the 
river  of  Melas  doo  end,  and  behinde  the  temple  are  two 
goodly  springes,  from  whence  commeth  great  abowndance  of 
good  sweete  water:  whereof  the  one  of  them  is  called  to 
this  day  the  Palme,  and  the  other  the  Olive.  And  some 
say  also,  that  the  goddesse  Latona  was  not  brought  to  bed 
betwene  two  trees,  but  betwene  these  two  springes.  For 
mownt  Ptoum  is  hard  by  it  also,  from  whence  the  wilde  bore 
came  on  a sodaine  that  flighted  her.  And  the  tale  that  is 
306 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


tolde  of  the  serpent  Pytho,  and  of  the  gyaunt  Tityus,  doo 
both  confirme  it,  that  Apollo  was  borne  in  the  same  place. 
I passe  over  manie  other  conjectures  confirming  the  same,  for 
that  we  doo  not  beleve  in  oure  contrie  that  Apollo  is  among 
the  nomber  of  those,  who  from  mortall  men  have  beene 
translated  to  immortall  goddes,  as  are  Hercules  and  Bacchus, 
that  through  the  excellencie  of  their  vertue,  did  put  of 
mortalitie,  and  tooke  immortality  apon  them : but  we 
rather  take  him  for  one  of  those  that  never  had  beginninge 
nor  generation,  at  the  least  if  those  thinges  be  to  be  credited, 
which  so  many  grave  and  auncient  writers  have  left  in  writ- 
ing to  us,  touching  so  great  and  holy  things.  The  Thebans 
returning  backe  from  Orchomene,  and  the  Lacedaemonians 
on  the  other  side  returning  also  from  Locride,  both  at  one 
time,  they  fortuned  both  armies  to  mete  about  the  citty 
of  Tegyra.  Now,  so  sone  as  the  Thebans  had  discovered 
the  Lacedaemonians  passing  the  straite,  one  of  them  ranne 
sodainely  to  Pelopidas,  and  tolde  him : Sir,  we  are  fallen 
into  the  handes  of  the  Lacedaemonians.  Nay,  are  not  they 
rather  fallen  into  ours,  aunswered  Pelopidas  againe  ? with 
these  wordes,  he  commaunded  his  horsemen  that  were  in 
the  rereward,  to  come  before,  and  sett  apon  them  : and  him 
selfe  in  the  meane  time  put  his  footemen  immediately  into 
a pretie  squadron  close  togeather,  being  in  all,  not  above 
three  hundred  men,  hoping  when  he  should  come  to  geve 
charge  with  his  battell,  he  should  make  a lane  through 
the  enemies,  though  they  were  the  greater  nomber.  For 
the  Lacedaemonians  devided  them  selves  in  two  companies, 
and  every  company,  as  Ephorus  writeth,  had  five  hundred 
men : and  as  Callistenes  sayed,  seven  hundred.  Polybius, 
and  divers  other  authors  saye,  they  were  nyne  hundred  men. 
So,  Theopompus  and  Gorgoleon,  the  Captaynes  of  the  Lace- 
daemonians, lustely  marched  agaynst  the  Thebans : and  it 
fell  out  so,  that  the  first  charge  was  geven,  where  the 
chiefetaynes  or  generalles  were  of  either  side,  with  great 
furie  on  eyther  parte,  so  as  both  the  generalls  of  the 
Lacedaemonians  which  sett  uppon  Pelopidas  together,  were 
slayne.  They  being  slayne,  and  all  that  were  about  them, 
being  either  hurt  or  * killed  in  the  fielde : the  rest  of  the 

307 


PELOPIDAS 


Pelopidas 

victorie. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

PELOPIDAS  armie  were  so  amased,  that  they  devided  in  two,  and  made 
a lane  on  either  side,  for  the  Thebans  to  passe  through  them 
if  they  would.  But  when  they  saw  Pelopidas  ment  not  to 
take  the  passage  they  offred  him,  and  that  he  came  on  still 
with  his  men  to  set  apon  those  that  were  yet  in  battel  raye, 
and  slue  all  them  that  stoode  before  him  : then  they  turned 
tayle,  and  tooke  them  to  their  legges.  Howbeit  the  Thebans 
did  not  chase  them  farre,  fearing  the  Orchomenians  who  were 
not  farre  from  them,  and  the  new  garrison  besides,  that  were 
come  from  Lacedaemon  not  long  before.  And  this  was  the 
cause  they  were  contented  that  they  had  overcomed  them  by 
force,  and  had  passed  through  their  armie  in  despite  of 
them,  and  broken  and  overthrowen  them.  So  when  he  had 
set  up  markes  of  triumphe,  and  spoyled  their  slayne  enemies, 
they  returned  home  againe,  glad  men  for  their  obteyned 
victorie.  For  in  all  the  warres  the  Lacedaemonians  ever 
made,  aswell  with  the  Graecians,  as  with  the  barbarous 
people  also,  there  was  never  chronicle  mencioned  at  any 
tyme,  that  their  enemies  being  so  fewe,  did  overcome  them 
that  were  so  many,  nor  that  they  were  overcome  also  by 
any  number  equall  in  battell.  Whereuppon  they  grewe  so 
coragious  and  terrible,  that  no  man  durst  once  abyde  them  : 
for  their  onely  fame  did  so  terrifie  their  enemies  that  came  to 
fight  agaynst  them,  that  they  thought  with  no  equall  force 
to  be  able  to  performe  asmuche  as  they  had  done.  But 
this  battell  of  Tegyra  was  the  first  that  made  both  them 
and  the  other  Greecians  knowe,  that  it  was  not  the  ryver 
of  Eurotas  alone,  nor  the  valley  that  lyeth  betweene  the 
ryvers  of  Cnacion,  and  of  Babyce,  that  breedeth  the 
valiant  and  hardy  fighting  men : but  that  it  is  in  all 
places  else,  where  they  learne  young  men  to  be  ashamed 
of  dishonest  and  vyle  thinges,  and  to  venter  their  lives  for 
What  enemies  honest  causes,  fearing  more  dishonorable  reproche,  then 
are  moste  ter-  honorable  daunger.  These  are  the  people  most  to  be 
b^e  feared t0  feared?  and  are  most  terrible  also  to  their  enemies.  And 
for  the  holy  band  we  mencioned  before,  it  is  saide,  Gorgidas 
The  first  insti-  was  the  first  erector  of  the  same.  They  were  three  hundred 
tution  of  the  chosen  men  entertained  by  the  state,  and  they  alwaies  kept 
holie  bande.  wjthin  the  castell  of  Cadmea,  and  the  bande  was  called  the 
308 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

townes  bande : for  at  that  time,  and  specially  in  that  part 
of  Greece,  they  called  the  castels  and  great  holdes  in  citties, 
the  townes.  Other  say  it  was  a bande  of  footemen  that 
were  in  love  one  with  another.  And  therefore  Pammenes 
pleasaunt  wordes  are  noted,  saying,  that  Nestor  coulde  no 
skyll  to  set  an  armie  in  battell  raye,  seeing  he  gave  the 
Greecians  counsell,  in  the  Iliades  of  Homer,  that  they 
should  set  them  in  battel  raye,  every  countrie  and  tribe 
by  them  selves : 

That  by  affections  force,  and  lynkes  of  kyndly  love  : 
that  one  might  alwaise  helpe  at  hande,  that  other  to  behove. 

For,  saide  he,  one  frende  should  rather  be  set  by  another 
that  loves  togeather : bicause  in  daunger,  men  commonly  do 
litle  regarde  their  contrie  men,  or  suche  as  are  of  their  tribe. 
But  men  that  doo  love  one  another,  can  never  be  broken  nor 
overcome:  for  the  passion  of  love  that  entertaineth  eche 
others  affection,  for  affection  sake,  dothe  kepe  them  from 
forsaking  one  another.  And  those  that  are  beloved,  being 
ashamed  to  doo  any  vyle  or  dishonest  thing  before  those  that 
love  them,  for  very  love  will  sticke  one  by  another  to  the 
death.  And  sure  the  reason  is  good,  if  it  be  true  that  lovers 
doo  in  deede  more  regard  them  they  love,  though  they  be 
absent : then  other  that  be  present.  As  appeareth  by  the 
example  of  hym,  that  being  striken  downe  to  the  ground, 
his  enemie  lifting  up  his  swoorde  to  kyll  him,  he  praied  him 
he  woulde  geve  him  his  deathes  wounde  before,  lest  his 
frende  that  loved  him,  seeing  a wounde  on  his  backe, 
shoulde  be  ashamed  of  him.  It  is  reported  also,  that 
Iolaus  being  beloved  of  Hercules,  did  helpe  and  accompanie 
him  in  all  his  labors  and  quarrels.  Whereupon  Aristotle 
writeth,  that  unto  his  time,  such  as  loved  hartily  togeather, 
became  sworne  brethren  one  to  another,  apon  Iolaus  tombe. 

-And  therefore  me  thinkes  it  is  likely,  that  this  bande  was 
first  called  the  holy  bande,  by  the  selfe  same  reason  that 
Plato  calleth  a lover,  a divine  frende  by  goddes  appoint- 
ment. It  is  written  also,  that  this  bande  was  never  broken, 
nor  overthrowen,  before  the  battel  of  Chaeronea : After  that 
battel,  Philip  taking  vewe  of  the  slaine  bodies,  he  stayed  in 

309 


PELOPIDAS 


Men  loving 
together,fight 
desperately 
against  their 
enemies. 


Hercules  and 
Iolaus  love. 


Platoes  saying 
of  a lover. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

PELOPIDAS  that  place  where  the  foure  hundred  men  of  that  bande  laye 
all  dead  on  the  grounde,  one  harde  by  another,  and  all  of 
them  slayne  and  thrust  through  with  pikes  on  their  brestes, 
whereat  he  wondred  muche  : and  being  tolde  him  that  it  was 
the  lovers  bande,  he  fel  a weeping  for  pittie,  saying : Wo  be 
to  them  that  thinke  these  men  did,  or  suffered  any  evyll  or 
dishonest  thing.  And  to  be  short,  the  misfortune  of  Laius, 
that  was  slaine  by  his  owne  brother  Oedipus,  was  not  the 
first  originall  cause  of  this  custome,  that  the  Thebans  be- 
ganne  to  be  in  love  one  with  an  other  as  the  Poets  write : 
but  they  were  their  first  lawmakers,  who  perceiving  them  to 
be  a stout  and  fierce  nation  of  nature,  they  sought  even  from 
their  youthe  to  make  them  gentell  and  civill,  and  therefore 
in  all  their  actions  both  of  sport  and  earnest,  they  con- 
tinually acquainted  them  with  playing  of  the  flute,  being 
highly  estemed  of  them  in  those  dayes.  They  brought  in 
the  use  also  to  make  love,  in  the  middest  of  all  their  youthe- 
full  sportes  and  exercises  of  their  bodies,  to  frame  the  young 
mens  manners,  and  to  bring  them  to  a civil  lyfe.  And  ther- 

The  Goddesse  fore  they  had  reason  that  gave  the  goddesse  Harmonia  to 

Harmonia.  ^he  Thebans,  for  defender  and  patronesse  of  their  cittie, 
who  was  begotten  (as  they  say)  betwene  Mars  and  Venus. 
For  that  geveth  us  to  under stande,  that  where  force  and 
warlike  corage  is  joyned  with  grace,  to  winne  and  perswade : 
all  thinges  by  this  union  and  accorde  are  brought,  to  a 
goodly,  proffitable,  and  most  perfect  government.  Now,  to 
returne  againe  to  the  matter  of  this  holy  bande  of  the 
Thebans.  Gorgidas  deviding  it  in  the  former  ranckes,  and 
placing  it  all  alongest  the  fronte  of  the  battell  of  the  foote- 
men,  it  did  not  appeare  what  they  were  able  to  doo  of  them 
selves,  for  that  he  brought  them  not  all  into  one  body : so 
as  thereby  they  might  see  what  service  the  whole  companie 
coulde  doo,  being  togeather,  considering  that  it  was  devided 
and  mingled  amongest  manie  other,  that  were  a great  deale 
of  lesse  value  then  them  selves.  But  Pelopidas  that  had  made 
good  proofe  of  their  valliauntnes  before,  when  they  fought 
about  him  of  them  selves,  without  others  by  them,  at  Tegyra : 
would  never  after  devide  nor  seperat  them  one  from  the  other, 
but  keeping  them  together  as  one  entier  body  that  had  al 
310 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

his  members,  he  would  alwaies  beginne  with  them  to  geve  a 
charge,  in  his  most  daungerous  battels.  For,  as  we  see  in 
running  of  coches  at  games,  that  horses  being  tyed  all  to- 
gether in  a fronte,  doo  runne  faster  and  stronger,  then  they 
doo  when  they  are  lose,  and  put  to  it  alone  : and  not  for  that 
they  being  many  togeather  doo  breake  through  the  ayer 
better,  but  for  that  the  contention  and  envy  betweene  them 
to  outronne  one  another  doth  in  dede  set  their  hartes  and 
stomakes  a fyre.  Even  so  he  thought,  that  valliaunt  men 
geving  one  another  a desire  and  envie  to  doo  well,  shoulde 
have  the  more  corage,  and  woulde  be  of  greater  force,  when 
they  fought  one  in  anothers  sight.  But  the  Lacedaemonians 
afterwardes  being  at  peace  and  league  with  all  the  other 
Greecians,  proclaymed  open  warres  against  the  Thebans 
onely : and  kyng  Cleombrotus  went  to  invade  them  with  an 
army  of  tenne  thowsande  footemen,  and  a thowsande  horse- 
men. Wherupon,  the  Thebans  were  not  only  in  the  like 
daunger  they  stoode  in  before  to  lose  their  libertie,  but  the 
Lacedaemonians  did  openly  threaten  they  would  utterly  de- 
stroy them  for  ever : so  that  all  the  contrie  of  Bceotia  stoode 
in  greater  feare,  then  ever  they  did  before.  And  one  day  as 
Pelopidas  went  out  of  his  house  to  goe  to  the  warres,  his  wife 
bringing  him  out  of  the  doores  to  take  her  leave  of  him, 
weeping,  she  praied  him  hartely  to  looke  well  to  him  selfe. 
But  he  aunswered  her  againe : My  good  wife,  it  is  for  private 
souldiers  to  be  carefull  of  them  selves,  but  not  for  captaines, 
for  they  must  have  an  eye  to  save  others  lives.  And  when 
he  came  to  the  campe,  he  founde  the  captaines  and  the 
Lieuetenantes  of  the  armie,  in  sundrie  opinions:  and  he  was 
the  first  that  agreed  with  Epaminondas  opinion,  who  thought 
it  best  they  shoulde  geve  battell  to  the  enemies.  Pelopidas 
at  that  time  was  neither  governor  of  Bceotia,  nor  general  of 
the  armie,  but  onely  captaine  of  the  holy  bande : notwith- 
standing they  had  great  affiance  in  him,  and  gave  him  great 
authoritie  in  counsaile  concerning  their  affaiers : such  as  be- 
came a man  that  had  made  so  good  testimonie  of  his  naturall 
love  and  affection  to  his  contrie,  as  he  had  done.  Now,  being 
determined  in  counsaile  that  they  shoulde  geve  the  enemie 
battell,  they  all  mustred  together  in  the  valley  of  Leuctres, 

311 


PELOPIDAS 


Cleombrotus 
king  of  the 
Lacede- 
monians. 


Pelopidas 

princely 

aunsweare. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


PELOPIDAS 


Se  what 
plagues 
folowe  where 
justice  is 
denied. 


Pelopidas 
dreame  and 
vision  in  the 
fieldes  of 
Leuctres. 


where  he  had  a vision  in  his  dreame,  that  troubled  him  verie 
muche.  In  that  valley  there  are  the  tombes  of  the  daughters 
of  one  Scedasus,  whiche  by  reason  of  the  place,  they  call  the 
Leuctrides,  for  that  they  were  buried  there,  after  they  had 
bene  defyled  and  ravished,  by  certaine  guestes  of  the  Spartans 
that  laye  in  their  house,  travayling  that  way.  This  act  being 
so  horrible  and  wicked,  the  poore  father  of  these  defiled 
virgines,  could e neither  have  justice,  nor  revenge  of  the 
Lacedaemonians,  and  therefore  after  he  had  bande  and  cursed 
the  Lacedaemonians  with  most  horrible  and  execrable  rayl- 
inges  and  curses  as  might  be  possible,  he  kylled  him  selfe  upon 
the  graves  of  his  daughters.  The  Lacedaemonians  had  many 
sundrie  oracles,  prophecies  and  signes  of  the  goddes  to  warne 
them,  to  take  heede  of  the  wrathe  of  the  Leuctrides  : how- 
beit  everie  man  understoode  not  the  signification  of  this  pro- 
phecie,  but  were  deceived  by  the  equivocation  of  the  name. 
For  there  was  a litle  towne  in  the  contrie  of  Laconia,  standing 
apon  the  sea,  called  Leuctrum : and  in  Arcadia  also  by  the 
cittie  of  Megalipolis,  there  was  another  towne  called  by 
the  same  name.  This  misfortune  chaunced  longe  before  the 
battell  of  Leuctres : but  then  Pelopidas  dreaming  in  his 
tente,  thought  he  sawe  in  a vision  the  daughters  of  Scedasus 
weeping  about  their  graves,  and  cursing  the  Lacedaemonians  : 
and  that  he  sawe  their  father  also,  commaunding  him  to 
sacrifice  a red  mayden  to  his  daughters,  if  they  woulde  obtaine 
the  victorie.  This  commaundement  at  the  first,  seemed  verie 
cruel  and  wicked  : whereuppon  when  he  rose,  he  went  to  the 
Prognosticators  and  generalles  of  the  armie,  and  tolde  them 
his  dreame.  So,  some  of  them  saide,  this  was  no  matter  to 
be  lightly  passed  over,  but  to  be  considered  of,  alledging 
manie  examples  in  the  like  cases.  As  of  Menecius  the  sonne 
of  Creon  in  olde  time,  and  of  Macaria  the  daughter  of  Her- 
cules. And  yet  of  later  memorie,  the  wise  Pherecydes, 
whome  the  Lacedaemonians  slue,  and  whose  skynne  their 
kynges  doo  keepe  at  this  daye,  by  commaundement  of  an 
oracle.  And  Leonidas,  who  following  a prophecie  of  the 
goddes,  did  as  it  were  sacrifice  him  selfe,  for  the  safetie  of 
Greece.  And  furthermore,  the  younge  boyes  which  Themis- 
tocles  did  sacrifice  to  Bacchus  Omestes  (to  say,  eating  rawe 
312 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

flesh)  before  the  battell  of  Salamina.  And  all  these  sacrifices  PELOPIDAS 
were  acceptable  to  the  goddes,  as  the  victories  following  did 
plainely  shewe.  In  contrarie  manner  also  kinge  Agesilaus, 
comminge  from  those  very  places,  from  whence  king  Aga- 
memnon came  in  the  time  of  the  warres  of  Troia,  and  going 
also  against  the  same  enemies  : dreamed  one  night  in  the  Agesilaus 
cittie  of  Aulide,  he  sawe  the  goddesse  Diana,  asking  him  his  dreame. 
daughter  for  sacrifice.  But  he  tenderly  loving  her,  would  by 
no  meanes  perfourme  it:  and  thereupon  was  compelled  to 
breake  of  his  jorney,  before  he  had  executed  his  enterprise, 
and  departed  with  small  honor.  Other  to  the  contrarie 
stoode  to  it  stowtely,  and  saide  it  was  not  to  be  done.  For, 
so  cruell,  abhominable,  and  brutish  a sacrifice,  could  not  be 
acceptable  to  any  of  the  goddes,  nor  to  any  god,  better  or 
mightier  than  ours : considering  that  they  be  no  impressions 
in  the  ayre,  nor  gyants  that  rule  the  world,  but  the  one  onely 
mightie  and  eternall  God  father  of  gods  and  men.  And, 
to  beleve  that  either  goddes  or  demy  goddes  doo  delite  in 
murder,  or  sheading  of  mans  blood,  it  is  a meere  mockery  and 
folly.  But  admit  it  were  so,  they  were  no  more  to  be  re- 
garded therein,  then  those  that  have  no  power  at  all : yet  it 
is  a manifest  token  of  a wicked  spirite,  when  they  have  suche 
damnable  and  horrible  desires  in  them,  and  specially  if  they 
abide  styll  with  them.  Now,  the  generalles  and  heads  of  the 
armie  of  the  Thebans  being  of  sondry  opinions,  and  Pelopidas 
being  more  afraid  then  before,  by  reason  of  their  disagree- 
ment: a young  mare  colte,  or  fyllie,  breaking  by  chaunce 
from  other  mares,  ronning  and  flynging  through  the  campe, 
came  to  staye  right  against  them.  Then  every  man  beganne 
to  looke  apon  her,  and  to  marke  what  a faire  fyllie  it  was, 
and  red  colored  every  where,  and  what  a pride  she  tooke  with 
her  selfe  to  heare  her  owne  neying.  Theocritus  then  the 
soothesayer  being  amongest  them,  did  beholde  her,  and  knew 
straight  what  the  fyllie  ment,  and  so  cried  out  foorthwith  : 

O happie  Pelopidas,  loe  here  is  the  sacrifice  thou  lookest  for, 
seeke  no  other  virgine  for  thy  sacrifice,  but  take  this  that 
God  him  selfe  doth  send  thee.  When  Theocritus  had  saide 
so,  they  tooke  the  fyllie,  and  laide  her  apon  the  tombe  of 
Scedasus  dawghters,  and  put  garlandes  of  flowers  about  her, 

2 : RR  313 


PELOPIDAS 


The  battell  at 
Leuctres. 


The  cause  of 
the  overthrow 
of  the  Lace- 
daemonians. 


Pelopidas  and 
Epaminondas 
victorie,  at 
the  battaile  of 
Leuctres. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

as  they  handled  other  sacrifices : and  then  after  their  praiers 
made  to  the  gods,  they  did  sacrifice  her  with  great  joye,  and 
told  Pelopidas  vision  in  his  dreame  the  night  before  through 
all  the  campe,  and  the  sacrifice  they  had  made  also  according 
to  the  signification  thereof.  Moreover,  when  they  came  to 
joyne  battell,  Epaminondas  being  generall,  drew  all  his  army 
on  the  left  hande,  bicause  he  woulde  bring  the  right  winge 
of  the  enemies  army  (where  they  had  [placed  the  naturall 
Spartans)  further  from  the  other  Greecians  their  frendes  and 
allyes,  that  were  set  in  the  other  wing  of  their  battell : that 
he  comming  with  his  whole  power  together  to  geve  a charge 
uppon  Cleombrotus  their  king  (being  in  a corner  by  him 
selfe)  might  be  distressed  or  overthrowen.  The  enemies 
fynding  Pelopidas  intent,  beganne  to  chaunge  their  order, 
and  having  men  enowe,  ment  to  thruste  out  their  ryght 
winge  at  length  to  compasse  in  Epaminondas.  But  Pelopidas 
in  the  meane  time  sodainely  prevented  them,  and  ronning 
with  great  furie  with  his  squadron  of  three  hundred  men,  he 
set  apon  Cleombrotus  before  he  coulde  disorder  his  men  to 
put  furth  the  right  winge,  and  joyne  them  together  againe. 
And  so  he  founde  the  Lacedaemonians  not  yet  setled  in 
their  rankes,  and  brake  them  in  this  disorder,  thrusting  one 
in  anothers  place  to  put  them  selves  againe  in  order : not- 
withstanding the  Lacedaemonians  of  all  other  men  were  the 
only  captaines,  and  most  expert  souldiers  in  marshal  disci- 
pline, as  men  so  trained  and  practised,  that  no  sodaine  altering 
of  forme,  or  order  in  their  rankes,  coulde  either  trouble  or 
disorder  them.  For  they  were  men  so  trained,  that  they 
could  turne  head  or  side  upon  any  sodaine  occasion  offered, 
and  coulde  fight  and  order  them  selves  in  battell  every  way 
alike.  So  Epaminondas  going  to  geve  thonset  apon  them 
alone,  with  the  whole  force  of  his  battaile  togeather,  not 
tarrying  for  others : and  Pelopidas  also  with  an  incredible 
corage  and  readines,  presenting  him  selfe  in  battell  before 
them,  did  put  them  into  such  a terrible  feare,  that  they  cleane 
forgotte  their  skill  in  fightinge,  and  their  wonted  courage 
fayled  them.  For  they  cowardly  turned  their  backes,  and  there 
were  moe  Lacedaemonians  slaine  that  day,  than  ever  were  before 
in  any  former  battell.  Pelopidas  therefore,  being  neither 
314 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

governor  of  Boeotia,  nor  general  of  all  the  army,  but  onely 
captaine  of  the  holy  band : did  notwithstanding  winne  as 
muche  honor  and  glorie  of  this  victorie,  as  Epaminondas,  that 
was  governor  of  Boeotia,  and  generall  of  all  the  armie.  In 
dede  afterwardes  they  were  both  governors  of  Boeotia  to- 
gether, when  they  invaded  the  contrey  of  Peloponnesus : 
where  they  made  most  parte  of  the  cities  and  people  rebell 
against  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  take  their  parte.  As  the 
Elians,  the  Argives,  and  all  Arcadia,  and  the  best  parte  of 
Laconia  selfe,  notwithstandinge  it  was  in  the  hart  of  winter, 
and  in  the  shortest  dayes  of  the  yeare,  and  towardes  the  latter 
ende  also  of  the  last  moneth  of  their  yeares  authority  and 
rule,  having  not  many  dayes  to  continew  in  office,  being 
forced  to  leave  their  authority,  apon  paine  of  death  if  they 
did  refuse,  unto  other  officers  new  chosen,  the  beginning  of 
the  next  moneth  following.  Whereupon  their  other  com- 
panions, and  governors  also  of  the  contrie  of  Boeotia,  what 
for  feare  to  incurre  the  daunger  of  the  lawe,  as  also  to  avoyde 
the  trouble  to  lye  in  campe  in  the  sharpest  of  winter : they 
did  urge  and  perswade  them  to  bring  the  armie  backe  againe 
into  their  contrie.  But  Pelopidas  was  the  first  that  yeelded 
to  Epaminondas  opinion,  and  wanne  the  other  Thebans  also 
to  consent  unto  it,  to  be  contented  to  be  led  by  them,  to 
geve  assault  to  the  city  selfe  of  Sparta.  So,  through  their 
perswasion  they  passed  over  the  river  of  Eurotas,  and  tooke 
many  litle  townes  of  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  wasted  and 
destroyed  all  the  contrie  to  the  sea  side,  leading  under  their 
ensignes  an  armie  of  threescore  and  ten  thowsande  fightinge 
men,  and  all  Greecians,  the  Thebans  not  making  up  the 
twelvt  parte  of  them.  Now,  the  honor  and  great  reputacion 
of  these  two  persones,  Epaminondas  and  Pelopidas,  brought 
their  frendes  and  confederates,  that  they  followed  them,  with- 
out any  resolution  of  counsell  or  publike  order,  and  never 
opened  their  mouthes  against  them,  but  willingly  marched 
under  their  conduction.  And  in  my  opinion,  truely  me 
thinkes  it  is  the  first  and  chiefest  point  in  the  lawe  of 
nature,  that  he  that  is  weake,  not  able  to  defend  himselfe, 
should  leane  to  one  that  is  strong,  and  able  to  defende  bothe. 
Even  much  like  to  freshe  water  souldiers,  and  rawe  sea  men, 

315 


PELOPIDAS 


Pelopidas  and 
Epaminondas 
jorney  into 
Peloponesus, 
being  both 
governors  of 
Boeotia. 


A penall  lawe 
at  Thebes,  for 
resigning  up 
of  offices  at 
the  yeers  end. 


Pelopidas  and 
Epaminondas 
went  over  the 
river  of  Euro- 
tas, with  70 
thowsand 
men. 


PELOPIDAS 


The  ingrati- 
tude of  the 
Thebans , to- 
ward Pelopi- 
das  and  Epa- 
minondas. 


The  Lawe 
Boucation. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

that  lying  at  sea  in  calme  weather,  and  in  safe  harber,  are 
as  lusty  and  bragge  with  the  masters  and  boteswaines  as 
may  be : and  let  a litle  storme  of  weather  come  apon  them 
sodainely,  and  that  they  be  in  any  daunger,  then  they  looke 
on  the  masters,  hoping  for  no  life  but  at  their  handes.  And 
even  in  like  maner  the  Elians  and  Argives,  who  though  in 
all  assemblies  of  counsel  they  woulde  ever  jarre  and  strive 
with  the  Thebans,  for  honor  and  superioritie  in  the  armie : 
yet  when  any  battell  came  to  be  fought,  wherin  they  saw 
there  was  daunger,  then  their  pecockes  braverie  was  gone, 
and  they  were  glad  to  obey  their  generalles  commaunde- 
ment.  In  this  journey  they  brought  all  the  cities  of  the 
province  of  Arcadia  to  be  in  league  with  them,  and  tooke 
all  the  contrie  of  Messenia  from  the  Lacedaemonians,  which 
they  peaceably  enjoyed : and  called  home  againe  all  the 
auncient  inhabitantes  of  the  same,  and  restored  them  to 
their  contrie,  and  replenished  the  citie  of  Ithome : Then 
returninge  afterwardes  into  their  contrie  by  the  citie  of 
Cenchrees,  they  overthrew  the  Athenians  that  came  to  trouble 
them,  in  entringe  into  the  straight  of  Peloponnesus,  suppos- 
inge  to  have  stopped  their  passage.  Thus  was  the  valliantnes 
of  these  two  worthy  men  greatly  commended  and  honored 
of  every  body,  for  so  many  notable  exployts  and  victories 
as  they  had  wonne,  and  their  marvelous  good  successe  greatly 
wondered  at.  But  as  their  glory  and  renowne  increased 
abroade,  so  did  their  contrie  mens  malice  and  envie  encrease 
against  them  at  home : who  had  prepared  such  a welcome 
home  for  them,  as  was  to  bad  and  vile  for  so  honorable 
service  as  they  had  done.  For  Epaminondas  and  Pelopidas 
bothe,  at  their  returne,  were  accused  of  treason.  For  there 
was  a speciall  law  at  Thebes,  that  commaunded  all  such  as 
should  happen  to  be  governors  of  Boeotia,  to  resigne  their 
office  immediatly  to  the  new  officers  elect,  at  the  beginning 
of  the  first  moneth  of  the  yeare,  which  in  Boeotia  they  call 
Boucation : and  they  had  kept  it  foure  whole  moneths  above 
their  tearme  appointed,  in  which  time  they  had  done  all  that 
we  have  spoken  of  before,  as  well  in  the  province  of  Messenia 
and  of  Arcadia,  as  also  in  the  contrie  of  Laconia.  Pelopidas 
was  the  first  of  the  two  that  was  called  in  by  processe,  ther- 
316 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

fore  he  stoode  in  the  greater  daunger : howbeit  in  the  end,  PELOPIDAS 
they  were  both  discharged  again.  As  for  Epaminondas,  he 
tooke  his  accusation  and  the  attempt  of  his  enemies  (wherby  Epaminondas 
they  sought  to  have  cast  them  both  away)  quietly  enough  : patience, 
judging,  that  pacience  to  those  that  deale  in  state  and 
government,  is  a great  shew  of  force  and  magnanimitie.  But 
Pelopidas  being  of  a hotter  nature,  and  more  chollericke,  and 
set  on  besides  by  some  of  his  friendes,  did  take  this  occasion 
to  be  revenged.  Meneclidas  the  orator  was  one  of  those  that  Pelopidas 
came  into  Charons  house  with  Pelopidas,  and  Melon,  but  condemneth 
notwithstandinge  the  Thebans  did  nothing  honor  him,  as  se^^Ug as*  a 
they  did  the  rest.  He  taking  this  ill  at  their  handes,  being  orator  and 
marvelous  eloquent  of  speeche,  but  vitiously  geven  other-  accuser, 
wayes,  and  a man  of  a vile  and  mischievous  nature  : did 
fondly  abuse  his  eloquence,  falsely  accusinge  those  that  were 
his  betters,  in  honesty  and  credit.  And  not  beinge  contented 
with  this  first  accusation,  he  practised  so  commonly,  that  he 
put  Epaminondas  one  yeare  from  being  governor  of  Boeotia, 
which  he  sued  for : and  moreover  he  was  ever  against  him  in 
all  matters  of  state  he  tooke  in  hande.  But  he  coulde  never 
bring  Pelopidas  out  of  favour  with  the  people : and  there- 
fore he  sought  to  make  bate  betwixt  him  and  Charon.  For  The  practise 
it  is  the  common  tricke  of  all  spitefull  persones,  when  they  °f  spitefull 
can  not  be  thought  so  honest  men  as  those  whome  they  men* 
envie : to  go  about  to  prove  that  they  are  not  so  honest 
and  meete  men,  as  those  whome  they  preferre  and  commende. 

So,  in  all  his  orations  he  made  to  the  people,  he  continually 
extolled  and  commended  Charons  noble  actes  and  victories, 
and  specially  that  victory  above  other,  which  the  Thebans 
wanne  before  the  jorney  of  Leuctres,  in  a skirmish  of  horse- 
men, that  was  before  the  city  of  Platees,  he  havinge  charge 
of  the  same : of  the  which  he  woulde  leave  this  memory. 

Androcydes  a Cyzicenian  and  painter,  was  at  a price  with 
the  Thebans  to  painte  them  some  other  battell  in  a table,  Our  fore- 
and  he  did  drawe  this  worke  in  the  citie  selfe  of  Thebes : fathers  did 
but  as  he  was  in  hand  with  all,  the  rebellion  of  the  Thebans  a^rset 
fell  out  against  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  warre  followed  on  battailes, 
the  necke  of  that,  whereuppon  the  painter  forsooke  Thebes, 
leavinge  his  worke  in  manner  done  and  perfitte.  The  Thebans 

317 


PELOPIDAS 


Alexander 
the  tyran  of 
Pheres. 


Larissa,  a 
city. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

kept  this  table  by  them,  and  this  Meneclidas  moved  the 
people  they  woulde  hange  it  up  in  some  temple  or  publicke 
place  with  an  inscription  apon  it,  sayinge  thus : This  was 
Charons  victorie,  of  purpose  to  deface  and  obscure  the  glorie 
of  Pelopidas  and  Epaminondas.  To  vaine  and  fond  was  his 
ambition,  to  set  before  so  many  noble  battells  and  victories, 
one  simple  overthrowe  of  Charon,  in  the  which  Gerandas, 
one  of  the  meanest  gentlemen  of  all  Sparta  was  slayne,  and 
forty  other  with  him : and  this  was  all  he  did.  Pelopidas 
misliked  Meneclidas  motion,  maintaining  that  it  was  directly 
against  the  lawes  of  Thebes,  which  did  expresly  forbid  that 
no  private  person  should  be  honored  with  the  title  of  common 
victorie,  but  willed  the  glory  thereof  should  be  attributed 
to  all  the  people  generally.  In  dede  Pelopidas  in  all  his 
orations  did  greatly  praise  and  commend  Charon,  notwith- 
standinge,  he  made  open  proofe,  howe  Meneclidas  was  an 
envious  and  spitefull  detractor,  and  a naughty  wicked  man, 
oftentimes  askinge  the  Thebans,  if  they  them  selves  were 
worthy  of  no  honor  ? so  as  in  the  end  he  caused  Meneclidas 
to  be  condemned  in  a great  summe  of  money.  But  he  find- 
ing him  selfe  unable  to  pay  it,  beinge  so  great  a summe : 
practised  afterwardes  to  alter  the  whole  state  and  govern- 
ment. I thought  good  to  dilate  this  at  large,  bicause  me 
thinkes  it  doth  somewhat  declare  Pelopidas  nature,  and 
maners,  what  they  were.  Now  about  that  time,  Alexander, 
the  tyran  of  Pheres,  was  at  open  warres  with  many  people 
of  Thessalie,  and  did  use  all  policie  he  coulde,  to  bringe 
them  all  to  his  obedience.  Whereupon  the  free  cities  sent 
their  Ambassadors  unto  Thebes,  to  pray  them  to  send  them 
a captaine,  with  an  armie  to  aide  them.  Then  Pelopidas 
seeinge  Epaminondas  occupied  about  the  warres  of  Pelopon- 
nesus, did  offer  himselfe  to  the  Thessalian  Ambassadors, 
beinge  lothe  to  drowne  his  experience  and  sufficiency  in 
warres,  with  unprofitable  and  tedious  idlenes,  knowing  that 
in  those  partes  where  Epaminondas  lay,  there  neded  no 
other  captaine.  Now  when  he  came  with  his  armie  into 
Thessalie  the  citie  of  Larissa  yelded  presently  unto  him : 
where  the  tyran  Alexander  came  to  mete  with  him,  and  to 
pray  him  to  treate  a peace  betwixt  him  and  the  Thessalians. 
318 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

Pelopidas  attempted  to  bring  it  to  passe,  seeking  in  steade 
of  a tyran,  to  make  him  a gentle,  just,  and  lawefull  governor 
of  Thessalie.  But  when  he  saw  no  perswasions  could  take 
place  with  the  tyran,  and  that  he  grewe  more  stubborne 
and  untractable,  and  woulde  not  heare  reason : and  more- 
over that  he  heard  many  grevous  complaintes  of  his  great 
cruelties,  and  how  they  accused  him  to  be  a marvelous  dis- 
solute and  unruly  person  in  all  his  doinges,  and  extreamely 
covetous  besides : then  he  beganne  to  speake  roundly  to 
him,  and  to  handle  him  roughly.  But  the  tyran  there- 
upon stole  away  secretely  from  him,  and  fled  with  his 
gard  and  souldiers  about  him.  So  Pelopidas  leavinge  the 
Thessalians  out  of  all  feare  and  daunger  of  the  tyran, 
and  furthermore  in  good  peace  and  amity  one  with  the 
other,  he  went  into  Macedon  : where  Ptolomy  made  warre 
at  that  time  with  Alexander,  beinge  kinge  of  Macedon,  they 
bothe  having  sent  for  him  to  heare  and  determine  the  quarrel  1 
betwixt  them,  and  also  to  helpe  him  that  had  the  right, 
against  him  that  did  the  wrong.  So  when  he  came  thither, 
he  pacified  them  bothe,  and  restored  the  banished  men  of 
either  side,  to  their  landes  and  goodes  againe.  For  assur- 
ance of  the  peace,  he  tooke  the  kinges  brother  in  ostage, 
whose  name  was  Philip,  and  thirtie  other  children  of  the 
noblest  mens  sonnes  of  Macedon,  whom  he  brought  away 
with  him  to  Thebes,  to  let  the  Greecians  see,  that  the  repu- 
tacion  of  the  Thebans  power  stretched  farre,  and  the  renowne 
also  of  their  manner  of  government  and  justice.  It  is  the 
same  Philip,  that  made  warre  afterwardes  with  the  Greecians, 
to  take  their  libertie  from  them : howbeit  being  but  a boy 
at  that  time,  he  was  brought  up  at  Thebes  in  Pammenes 
house.  And  this  is  the  cause,  why  some  thought  Philip  did 
followe  Epaminondas  manner : and  it  might  be  paradventure, 
he  did  learne  of  him  to  be  quicke  and  ready  in  the  warres, 
which  in  deede  was  but  a peece  of  Epaminondas  vertue.  But 
as  to  the  continency,  justice,  magnanimitie,  and  clemencie, 
which  were  the  speciall  pointes  that  made  Epaminondas  of 
great  fame  : Philip  coulde  neither  by  nature,  education,  nor 
studie  ever  attaine  unto.  The  Thessalians  havinge  sent  after- 
wardes to  Thebes,  to  complaine  of  Alexander  the  tyran  of 

319 


PELOPIDAS 


Philip  of 
Macedon, 
delivered  for 
ostage  unto 
Pelopidas. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

TELOPIDAS  Pheres,  that  did  againe  molest  and  trouble  the  free  cities  of 
Thessalie : Pelopidas  was  sent  thither  Ambassador  with 
Ismenias,  carying  no  power  with  him  from  Thebes,  litle 
thinking  he  shoulde  have  needed  to  have  made  warres: 
whereupon  he  was  compelled  to  take  men  of  the  contrie 
selfe,  uppon  the  instant  necessitie  offered.  At  the  very 
same  time  also,  all  Macedon  was  up  in  armes.  For  Ptolomy 
had  slaine  the  king,  and  usurped  the  kingdom,  and  the  ser- 
vaunts  and  frendes  of  the  dead  king  called  upon  Pelopidas 
for  aide : who  desiring  to  come  even  uppon  the  fact,  and 
having  brought  no  men  of  warre  out  of  his  owne  contrie  with 
him,  did  presently  leavie  certaine  men  where  he  was,  and  so 
marched  forward  with  them  against  Ptolomy.  No  we  Ptolomy 
when  bothe  their  powers  met,  did  corrupt  the  souldiers 
Pelopidas  had  brought  with  money,  to  take  his  parte.  But 
notwithstandinge  this  policy  he  had  practised,  yet  he  was 
afeard  of  the  name  onely,  and  greatnes  of  Pelopidas  repu- 
tacion : wherefore  he  went  unto  Pelopidas,  as  to  a better 
man  than  him  selfe,  and  making  marvelous  much  of  him, 
and  intreating  of  him,  he  made  promise,  and  bounde  it  by 
othe,  that  he  would  keepe  the  realme  for  the  brethren  of  the 
dead  king,  and  that  he  woulde  take  all  those  for  his  frendes 
or  enemies,  whom  the  Thebans  did  either  love  or  hate.  And 
for  assurance  of  his  promise,  he  gave  him  his  sonne  Philoxenus 
in  ostage,  and  fifty  other  of  his  frendes,  all  the  which  Pelopidas 
sent  unto  Thebes.  But  in  the  meane  time,  beinge  marvelously 
offended  with  the  treason  of  the  souldiers  against  him,  under- 
standinge  that  the  most  parte  of  their  goodes,  their  wives 
and  children,  were  in  the  citie  of  Pharsale,  he  thought  if  he 
coulde  winne  that,  it  were  a marvelous  good  way  for  him  to 
be  revenged  of  the  trechery  of  the  souldiers  against  him : 
whereupon  he  leavied  certaine  Thessalians,  and  went  to  that 
citie.  Pelopidas  was  no  sooner  come  thither,  but  Alexander 
the  tyran  arrived  also  with  his  armie.  Pelopidas  supposing 
he  had  come  to  justifie  him  selfe,  clearing  the  complaintes  of 
the  Thessalians  made  against  him : went  to  him,  though  he 
knew  him  to  be  a very  wicked  man,  and  one  that  delited  in 
murder  and  sheading  of  blood.  Nevertheles,  he  hoped  he 
durst  not  have  attempted  any  thing  against  him,  for  the 
320 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

authority  and  seigniories  sake  of  Thebes,  by  whom  he  was 
sent  thither,  as  also  for  his  owne  reputacion.  But  the  tyran 
seeing  him  slenderly  accompanied,  and  without  traine  of 
souldiers : tooke  him  prisoner,  and  wanne  the  city  of  Pharsale 
at  that  present  time.  But  this  act  of  his  put  his  subjects  in 
a great  feare,  who  seeing  him  commit  so  shamefull  a deede 
against  all  equity,  did  thinke  straight  he  ment  to  spare  no 
man,  but  wrould  use  men,  and  all  thinges  else  that  came  in 
his  handes,  like  a desperate  man,  and  one  that  reckned  him 
self  cast  away.  But  when  the  Thebans  understoode  . this 
newes,  they  were  marvelous  sorie,  and  straight  sent  an  army 
thither  appointinge  other  Captaines  then  Epaminondas, 
bicause  then  they  had  some  misliking  of  him.  Alexander 
the  tyran  having  brought  Pelopidas  in  the  meane  time  to 
Pheres,  did  suffer  any  man  that  woulde,  at  the  first  to  come 
and  see  him,  and  speake  with  him : supposinge  his  imprison- 
ment had  killed  his  hart,  and  had  made  him  very  humble. 
But  when  he  was  tolde  the  contrary,  how  Pelopidas  did 
comforte  the  citizens  of  Pheres,  and  willed  them  to  be  of 
good  cheare,  tellinge  them  the  hower  was  now  come  that  the 
tyran  should  smarte  for  al  the  mischiefes  he  had  done : and 
that  he  sent  him  word  to  his  face,  he  had  no  reason  to  hang 
and  put  his  poore  citizens  daily  to  death  as  he  did,  with 
sundry  kindes  of  cruell  torments,  who  had  in  nothing  offended, 
him,  and  did  let  him  alone,  knowinge  that  if  ever  he  got  out 
of  his  hands,  he  would  be  revenged  of  him.  The  tyran  won- 
dering at  this  great  stomake  of  his,  and  at  his  marvelous 
constancy  fearing  nothing : asked  what  he  ment  to  long  for 
hasty  death  ? Pelopidas  beinge  tolde  what  he  sayd,  aunswered 
him  againe : Mary,  sayd  he,  bicause  thow  shouldest  dye  the 
sooner,  beinge  more  odious  to  the  goddes  and  men,  then  yet 
thou  art.  After  this  answere,  the  tyran  would  never  suffer 
any  man  to  come  and  speake  with  him  againe.  But  Thebe, 
that  was  the  daughter  of  the  tyran  Iason  deceased,  and  wife 
at  that  time  of  Alexander  the  tyran,  hearinge  reporte  of 
Pelopidas  noble  minde  and  corage  by  his  keepers : she  hadde 
a mervelous  desire  to  see  him,  and  to  speake  with  him.  But 
when  she  came  to  see  him,  like  a woman  she  could  not  at 
the  first  discerne  the  greatnesse  of  his  noble  heart,  and 
2 : SS  321 


PELOPIDAS 


Pelopidas 
taken  pri- 
sonner  by  the 
tyran  Alex- 
ander at 
Pharsale. 


Pelopidas 

stoutnes. 


Thebe  the 
wife  of  Alex- 
ander the 
tyran. 


PELOPIDAS 


Epaminondas 
sent  into 
Thessalie  with 
an  army. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

excellent  hidden  vertue,  findinge  him  in  such  misery : yet 
conjecturing  by  exterior  show,  notinge  his  simple  apparell, 
his  heares  and  beard  growen  very  long,  and  how  poorely  he 
was  served,  and  worse  entertained : she  thought  with  her 
selfe  his  case  was  to  be  pittied,  and  that  he  was  in  no  state 
mete  for  the  glory  of  his  name,  wherewith  she  fell  a weepinge 
for  compassion.  Pelopidas  that  knewe  not  what  she  was, 
beganne  to  muse  at  the  first : but  when  it  was  tolde  him  she 
was  Iasons  daughter,  then  he  curteously  saluted  her  for  her 
father  Iasons  sake,  who  while  he  lived  was  his  very  good 
frend.  So  Thebe  said  unto  him  : My  Lord  Pelopidas,  I 
pittie  thy  poore  Lady  and  wife.  Truely  so  do  I pitty  thee, 
quod  Pelopidas  againe  to  her : that  thou  beinge  no  prisoner, 
canst  abide  such  a wicked  Alexander.  This  aunswere  tickled 
Thebe  at  the  heart,  who  with  great  impacience  did  beare  the 
cruelty,  violence,  and  villany  of  the  tyran  her  husband  : that 
besides  all  other  infamous  actes  of  his  detestable  life,  com- 
mitted Sodomy  with  her  youngest  brother.  So  she  oft 
visitinge  Pelopidas,  and  boldly  makinge  her  mone  to  him, 
telling  him  closely  all  the  injuries  her  husbande  offered  her  : 
through  Pelopidas  talke  with  her,  by  litle  and  litle  she  grew 
to  abhorre  him,  and  to  conceive  a hate  in  heart  against  him, 
desiring  revenge  of  him.  But  now  the  Captaines  of  the 
Thebans  that  were  sent  to  deliver  Pelopidas,  beinge  entred 
into  Thessalie  with  their  armie : (whether  it  was  through 
default  of  ignoraunce,  or  their  mishap)  they  returned  home 
with  shame,  and  did  nothing.  Whereupon  the  Thebans  at 
their  retume  home,  condemned  them  everie  man  in  the  summe 
of  tenne  thousande  Drachmes,  and  sent  Epaminondas  thither 
againe  with  an  other  armie : at  whose  comming,  all  Thessalie 
rose  incontinently,  for  the  reputation  of  so  great  a captaine. 
And  his  fortune  was  so  good,  that  he  had  in  a manner  utterly 
overthrowen  all  the  whole  state  of  the  tyran : his  frends  and 
captaines  were  so  much  afraid,  and  his  subjectes  on  the  other 
side  so  well  disposed  to  rebell,  and  marvelous  glad  for  the 
hope  they  had,  quickely  to  see  the  tyran  have  his  deserved 
hyer,  for  all  his  former  wicked  deedes  he  had  committed. 
Notwithstanding,  Epaminondas  preferring  the  deliverie  and 
safety  of  Pelopidas,  before  the  consideration  of  his  owne 
322 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

honor  and  glorie,  and  fearinge  least  Alexander  seeinge  him 
selfe  in  daunger  to  be  turned  out  of  all  he  had,  falling  in 
despayre  like  a bedlem  beast,  woulde  bende  all  his  despera- 
tion and  fury  against  Pelopidas : he  drew  these  warres  out 
in  length,  compassinge  him  rounde  about,  but  not  fiercely 
setting  apon  him,  with  culler  to  prepare  his  way  the  better 
by  delaying  still,  therby  to  soften  the  cruell  minde  of  this 
tyran,  goinge  on  in  this  gentle  sorte,  and  partely  to  cutte 
his  combe  and  extreme  pride,  but  specially  to  preserve 
Pelopidas,  from  the  daunger  and  crueltie  of  his  beastly  rage. 
For  he  knew  right  well  he  was  a cruel  man,  and  one  that 
neither  regarded  reason,  nor  justice  in  any  sorte,  consideringe 
howe  he  made  some  man  to  be  buried  alive,  and  others  to  be 
put  in  the  skinnes  of  beares  and  wilde  bores,  and  then  to  set 
houndes  apon  them  to  teare  them  in  peeces,  or  else  him  selfe 
for  his  pastime  would  kill  them,  with  shootinge  or  throwinge 
of  dartes  at  them.  And  in  the  cities  of  Melibaea  and  of 
Scotusa,  bothe  of  them  beinge  in  league  and  frendshippe 
with  him,  he  spying  a time  one  day  when  the  citizens 
were  assembled  in  counsaill  together,  sodainely  compassed 
them  in  with  his  gard  and  souldiers,  and  put  them  every 
one  to  the  sword,  even  to  the  litle  children.  And  he  con- 
secrated the  darte  also  wherwith  he  had  slaine  his  owne 
uncle  Polyphron,  and  having  put  garlandes  apon  it,  he 
did  sacrifice  to  it,  as  to  a god,  and  called  it  Tychon,  as 
one  woulde  say,  happy  killer.  And  an  other  time  being 
in  a Theater,  where  the  tragedy  of  Troades  of  Euripides  was 
played,  he  went  out  of  the  Theater,  and  sent  word  to  the 
players  notwithstandinge,  that  they  shoulde  go  on  with  their 
playe,  as  if  he  had  bene  still  amonge  them  : saying,  that  he 
came  not  away  for  any  misliking  he  had  of  them  or  of  the 
play,  but  bicause  he  was  ashamed  his  people  shoulde  see  him 
weepe,  to  see  the  miseries  of  Hecuba  and  Andromacha 
played,  and  that  they  never  saw  him  pity  the  death  of  any 
one  man,  of  so  many  of  his  citizens  as  he  had  caused  to  be 
slaine.  The  gilty  conscience  therefore  of  this  cruell  and 
heathen  tyran,  did  make  him  tremble  at  the  only  name  and 
reputacion  of  Epaminondas : and  as  the  common  proverbe 
sayth : 


PELOPIDAS 


The  brutishe 
cruelty  of 
Alexander 
the  tyran. 


323 


PELOPIDAS 


Epaminondas 
delivered 
Pelopidas  out 
of  prison. 

Artaxerxes 
king  of 
Persia. 

Pelopidas  sent 
Ambassador 
to  the  king 
of  Persia. 


Pelopidas 
greatly 
honored  of 
the  king  of 
Persia. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

He  lett  his  winges  downe  fall,  not  much  unlike  the  cocke, 
which  doth  refuse  the  pit  preparde,  and  lyst  not  bide  the  shocke. 

So  he  sent  straight  unto  Epaminondas  to  excuse  him  selfe. 
But  Epaminondas  woulde  in  no  wise  suffer  the  Thebans, 
through  his  meanes,  to  make  league  with  such  an  hell 
hounde  : only  he  yelded  to  abstinence  of  armes  for  thirty 
daies,  apon  delivery  of  Pelopidas  and  Ismenias  into  his 
handes,  with  whom  he  straight  returned  unto  Thebes.  Now 
the  Thebans  being  advertised  that  the  Lacedaemonians  and 
the  Athenians  did  sende  Ambassadors  to  Artaxerxes  the 
mighty  king  of  Persia,  to  make  league  with  him  : they  sent 
to  him  Pelopidas  for  them  also,  being  wisely  considered  of 
them  to  sende  a man  of  such  fame  and  reputacion.  For 
Pelopidas  passing  first  through  contries  subject  to  the 
kinge  of  Persia,  his  fame  was  such  where  he  came,  that  the 
peoples  talke  was  onely  of  him.  For  the  reporte  of  the 
famous  battells  he  had  wonne  of  the  Lacedaemonians,  was 
not  only  caried  into  the  next  regions  and  contries  of  Asia : 
but  since  the  first  newes  of  the  journey  of  Leuctres  was 
brought  thither,  Pelopidas  havinge  after  that  wonne  victorie 
apon  victorie,  his  estimacion  grewe  so  great,  as  it  was  blowen 
abroade  through  the  worlde,  even  to  the  highest  and  furthest 
partes  of  the  East  contries.  And  when  he  came  to  the  king 
of  Persiaes  court,  the  princes,  great  Lordes,  and  captaines  of 
Persia  that  sawe  him,  had  him  in  great  admiration,  sayinge : 
loe  this  is  he  that  conquered  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  tooke 
all  their  seigniorie,  and  authority  from  them,  bothe  by  sea 
and  by  land,  and  drave  the  Spartans  beyond  the  river  of 
Eurotas,  and  from  mount  Taugetum,  who  not  longe  before 
made  warres  with  the  great  kinge  of  Persia,  beinge  ledde 
under  their  kinge  Agesilaus,  even  to  the  middest  of  Asia,  for 
the  realmes  of  Suse,  and  of  Ecbatane.  So  king  Artaxerxes 
selfe  was  very  glad  of  his  comminge,  and  praised  him  above 
them  all,  and  made  his  estimacion  greater  then  it  was  before, 
by  his  great  and  honorable  entertaininge  of  him,  meaninge 
thereby  to  returne  the  honor  to  him  selfe  againe : bicause 
menne  shoulde  thinke  that  the  most  famous  men  of  the 
worlde  came  to  honor  him,  and  to  see  his  court,  as  esteem- 
inge  bothe  him,  and  his  greatnesse,  the  onely  happines  of 
324 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


the  worlde.  But  when  he  had  seene  his  face,  and  heard  him  PELOPIDAS 

speake,  and  perceived  that  his  wordes  were  much  graver  then 

the  Athenians,  and  plainer  then  the  Lacedaemonians  : he 

then  was  further  in  love  with  him  then  before,  and  without 

disguising  he  did  honor  and  favor  him  above  all  the  other 

Ambassadors,  who  found  that  he  made  more  estimacion  of 

him,  then  of  them  all.  Notwithstanding,  he  seemed  to 

beare  greater  good  will  unto  Antalcidas  Lacedaemonian,  then 

to  any  other  of  the  Greecians : for  that  one  day  beinge  at  the 

table,  he  tooke  a garlande  of  flowers  from  his  owne  head, 

and  washed  it  in  perfuming  water,  and  sent  it  unto  him. 

In  dede  he  did  not  use  Pelopidas  with  that  open  familiaritie, 

yet  did  he  send  him  the  goodliest  and  richest  presentes  he 

could  devise,  and  graunted  him  besides  al  his  requestes  he 

made  unto  him : which  were,  that  all  the  people  of  Greece 

should  be  free : that  the  city  and  contrie  of  Messina,  should 

be  inhabited  againe:  and  that  the  citizens  of  Thebes  by 

their  successors  should  be  taken,  as  ancient  frends  and  allyes 

of  the  kings  of  Persia.  So  when  he  had  receaved  these  Pelopidas 

aunswers,  he  returned  home  againe,  and  would  by  no  meanes  refused  the 

accept  any  of  the  great  presents  the  king  had  offred  him : of  the’kinge 

which  caused  the  other  Ambassadors  of  the  Greecians  to  be  Artaxerxes. 

so  ill  welcome  home  to  their  cities.  For  among  other, 

Timagoras  was  accused  to  the  Athenians,  and  condemned  Timagoras 
to  dye,  and  was  executed : which  if  they  did  in  respect  of  Ambassador 
the  great  presents  he  had  taken  of  the  kinge,  truely  they  ncj^s  e^ut 
had  reason,  and  it  was  worthily  done  of  them.  For  he  tooke  death  for  tak- 
not  only  gold  and  silver  enough,  as  much  as  they  would  give  ing  great 
him  : but  receaved  a very  rich  bed  also,  and  Persian  chamber-  giftes  of  the 
lains  to  make  and  dresse  it  up,  as  if  no  Greecian  servauntes  of  p^!^0 
his  could  have  served  that  turne.  Moreover  he  receaved 
foure  score  milche  kine  to  the  paile,  and  neateheards  to 
keepe  them,  having  neede  of  cowes  milke  belike,  to  heale  a 
disease  that  fell  upon  him  : and  woulde  needes  be  caried  in  a 
litter  apon  mens  armes  from  the  kings  court,  unto  the 
Mediterranian  sea,  the  king  rewarding  them  for  their  paines 
that  caried  him,  with  foure  Talents.  Yet  it  seemeth  the 
gifts  he  tooke  £id  not  offende  the  Athenians  so  much,  con- 
sidering that  Epicrates  (a  drudge  or  tanckerd  bearer)  did 


325 


PELOPIDAS 


Pelopidas 
second  jorney 
against  the 
tyran  Alex- 
ander of 
Pheres. 

The  eclipse 
of  the  sunne 
made  the 
Thebans 
afraid. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

not  onely  confesse  before  the  people,  howe  he  had  taken  giftes 
of  the  king  of  Persia  : but  sayd  furthermore,  that  he  would 
have  a law  made,  that  as  they  did  yerely  choose  nine  officers 
to  rule  the  whole  city : so  that  they  would  choose  nine  of  the 
poorest  and  meanest  citizens,  and  sende  them  Ambassadors 
unto  the  king  of  Persia,  that  they  might  returne  home  rich 
men  with  his  giftes.  The  people  laughed  to  heare  him,  but 
yet  were  they  very  angry  the  Thebans  had  obtained  all  that 
they  demaunded : not  considering  that  Pelopidas  estimacion 
and  worthinesse  did  more  prevaile,  and  take  better  effect, 
then  all  the  orations  the  other  could  make,  and  specially  to 
a Prince  that  sought  alwaies  to  enterteine  those  Graecians, 
which  were  of  greatest  force  and  power  in  the  warres.  This 
Ambassade  did  greatly  increase  every  mans  love  and  good 
will  unto  Pelopidas,  bicause  of  the  replenishinge  againe  of 
Messina  with  inhabitants,  and  the  infranchesing  setting 
at  liberty  of  all  the  other  Greecians.  But  the  tyran  Alex- 
ander of  Pheres,  returning  againe  to  his  old  accustomed 
cruelty,  and  having  destroied  many  cities  of  Thessalie,  and 
placed  his  garrisons  through  al  the  contry  of  the  Phthiotes, 
Achaians,  and  Magnesians  : the  cities  being  advertised  of 
Pelopidas  returne  againe  to  Thebes,  they  sent  Ambassadors 
immediatly  to  Thebes,  to  pray  them  to  sende  them  an  army, 
and  namely  Pelopidas  for  Captaine,  to  deliver  them  from  the 
miserable  bondage  of  the  tyran.  The  Thebans  willingly 
graunted  them,  and  put  all  things  in  readines  very  sodainely. 
But  Pelopidas  being  ready  to  set  forward  in  his  iorney,  there 
fel  a sodain  eclipse  of  the  sunne,  so  as  at  none  daies  it  was 
very  darke  in  Thebes.  Pelopidas  seing  every  man  afraid  of 
this  eclipse  above,  he  would  not  compell  the  people  to 
depart  with  this  feare,  nor  with  so  ill  hope  to  hazard  the 
losse  of  seven  thowsande  Thebans,  being  all  billed  to  go  this 
jorney : but  notwithstanding,  he  put  him  selfe  alone  into  the 
Thessalians  handes,  with  three  hundred  horsemen  of  straun- 
gers,  that  were  glad  to  serve  with  him,  with  whom  he  tooke 
his  jorney  against  the  soothsayers  mindes,  and  against  the 
good  will  of  all  his  citizens,  who  thought  this  eclipse  did 
threaten  the  death  of  some  great  persone  like  him  selfe. 
But  Pelopidas  though  he  needed  no  spurre  to  be  revenged 

326 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

apon  the  tyran  Alexander,  being  by  nature  hotte,  and  PELOPIDAS 
desirous  of  him  selfe  to  revenge  the  spite  and  villany  he  had 
offred  him : yet  he  had  a further  hope  to  finde  the  tyrans 
house  devided  against  himselfe,  by  the  former  talke  he  had 
with  his  wife  Thebe,  in  time  of  his  imprisonment  there. 

Nevertheles,  the  fame  and  reputacion  of  the  jorney  under- 
taken, did  wonderfully  increase  his  noble  corage,  and  the 
rather,  bicause  he  was  desirous  (all  he  coulde)  the  Greecians 
should  see,  that  at  the  very  same  time  when  the  Lacedaemonians 
did  sende  governors  and  captaines  to  Dionysius,  the  tyran  of 
Sicile,  to  serve  and  aide  him,  and  that  the  Athenians  as 
hyerlings  tooke  pay  of  the  tyran  Alexander  of  Pheres,  in 
whose  honor  they  had  set  up  a statue  of  brasse  in  their  city, 
as  unto  their  savior : the  Thebans  only  at  the  selfe  same 
time  tooke  armes  against  them,  to  deliver  those  whom  the 
tyrans  oppressed,  and  sought  to  roote  out  all  tyrannical 
government  over  the  Greecians.  So,  when  he  came  to  the 
city  of  Pharsale,  and  had  gathered  his  army  together,  he 
went  presently  into  the  field  to  mete  with  the  tyran,  Alex- 
ander, perceaving  Pelopidas  had  very  fewe  Thebans  about 
him,  and  that  he  had  twise  as  many  moe  Thessalians  with 
him,  then  the  other  had  : he  went  to  the  temple  of  Thetis, 
to  mete  with  Pelopidas.  There  one  telling  Pelopidas,  that 
Alexander  was  comminge  against  him  with  a great  power : Battaill  geven 
Pelopidas  answered  him  straight,  al  the  better,  we  shal  kil  by  the  temple 
the  more.  Now,  in  the  middest  of  the  valley,  there  are  cer- 
taine  round  hils  of  a good  prety  height,  which  they  com-  tyran  Alex- 
monly  call  the  dogges  heads  : they  both  strived  which  of  ander. 
their  footemen  should  first  get  those  hils.  Pelopidas  having 
a great  number  of  horsemen,  and  good  men  at  armes  in  the 
fielde,  sent  them  before  to  give  charge  apon  the  enemies,  that 
preased  to  winne  the  vantage  of  the  place  : and  having  over- 
throwen  them,  they  followed  the  chase  all  the  valley  over. 

But  in  the  meane  time,  Alexander  having  his  footemen 
hard  by,  marched  forwards,  and  got  the  hils,  bicause 
the  Thessalians  that  were  further  of  came  to  late  : not- 
withstandinge,  when  they  came  to  the  hilles,  they  sought 
forcibly  to  clime  them  up,  being  very  high  and  steepe.  But 
Alexander  comming  downe  the  hil,  gave  charge  apon  them 

327 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

to  their  disadvantage,  and  slue  the  first  that  gave  the  attempt 
to  get  up  against  the  hil : and  the  residue  beinge  sore  hurt, 
retyred  againe  without  their  purpose.  Pelopidas  seeing  that, 
sounded  the  retreate  for  the  horsemen  that  followed  the 
chase,  to  repayre  to  the  standard,  and  commamided  them 
they  should  set  apon  the  footemen  of  the  enemies  that  were 
in  battell  raye : and  him  selfe  ranne  to  helpe  those  that 
fought  to  winne  the  hilles.  So  he  tooke  his  target  on  his 
arme,  and  passing  through  the  rereward,  got  to  the  formest 
ranckes  : to  whome,  the  sight  of  his  persone  did  so  redouble 
their  force  and  corage,  that  the  enemies  them  selves  thought 
it  hadde  beene  a freshe  supply  of  newe  mens  hartes  and 
other  bodies,  then  theirs  with  whom  they  hadde  fought  before, 
that  came  thus  lustely  to  sette  againe  apon  them.  And  yet 
they  did  abide  two  or  three  onsettes.  Howebeit  in  the  elide, 
perceiving  those  men  did  still  more  fiercely  force  to  gette  up 
the  hill,  and  moreover  how  their  horsemen  were  come  in 
from  the  chase : they  gave  way,  and  left  them  the  place 
retyring  backe  by  litle  and  litle.  Then  Pelopidas  havinge 
wonne  the  hilles,  stayed  on  the  top  of  them,  viewinge  the 
army  of  his  enemies,  which  were  not  yet  returned  from  their 
flying,  but  waved  up  and  downe  in  great  disorder.  And 
there  he  looked  all  about,  to  see  if  he  coulde  spye  out  Alex- 
ander : and  at  the  length  he  founde  him  out  amongest  others, 
in  the  right  winge  of  his  battell,  settinge  his  men  againe  in 
order,  and  incoraging  of  them.  After  he  had  set  eye  on  him, 
it  was  no  holding  of  him  backe,  his  hart  so  rose  against  him 
apon  sight  of  him,  that  gevinge  place  to  wrath,  he  neither 
regarded  his  persone,  nor  the  intent  of  his  jorney,  but 
runninge  farre  before  his  men,  he  cried  with  a lowde  voyce 
to  the  tyran,  and  chalenged  the  combat  of  him.  The  tyran 
woulde  not  abide  him,  nor  come  out  to  fight  with  him,  but 
fled,  and  hid  him  selfe  amongest  his  souldiers.  But  for  his 
souldiers,  the  first  that  thought  to  set  apon  Pelopidas,  were 
slaine  by  him,  and  many  left  dead  in  the  fielde.  The 
residue  standing  stowtly  to  it,  and  close  together,  did 
passe  his  curaces  through  with  their  long  pykes,  and  thrust 
him  into  the  brest.  The  Thessalians  seeinge  him  thus  sore 
handled  and  distressed,  for  pities  sake  came  runninge  from 
328 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

the  toppe  of  those  hilles,  to  the  place  where  Pelopidas  was, 
to  helpe  him.  But  even  as  they  came,  he  fell  downe  deade 
before  them.  Then  did  they  together  with  their  horsemen 
so  fiercely  sette  apon  them,  that  they  made  the  whole  battell 
of  the  enemies  to  flye  : and  followinge  them  in  chase  a great 
waye  from  that  place,  they  covered  the  valley  with  deade 
bodies,  for  they  slue  above  three  thowsande  men.  It  is  no 
marvell,  if  the  Thebans  that  were  at  Pelopidas  death,  tooke 
it  very  heavilie,  and  lamented  bitterly : callinge  him  their 
father,  their  saviour,  and  maister,  as  one  that  hadde  taught 
them  the  worthiest  thinges  that  might  be  learned  of  any. 
But  the  Thessalians  and  other  frendes  and  confederates  also 
of  the  citie  of  Thebes,  besides  their  excedinge  in  setting  out 
their  common  proclamations  and  edictes  in  prayse  of  his 
memorie,  and  doing  him  all  the  honor  that  could  be  due  to 
the  most  rare  and  excellent  persone  that  ever  was : they  did 
yet  more  shewe  their  love  and  affection  towardes  him,  by 
their  passinge  great  sorowe  and  mourning  they  made  for  him. 
For  it  is  sayed,  that  they  that  were  at  the  battell,  did  not  put 
of  their  armor,  nor  unbridle  their  horses,  nor  woulde  dresse 
their  woundes,  hearinge  tell  of  his  death : before  they  went 
first  and  sawe  his  body  not  yet  colde  with  fightinge,  laying 
great  heapes  of  the  enemies  spoyles  about  it,  as  if  he  coulde 
have  tolde  what  they  had  done,  nor  before  they  had  clipped 
of  their  owne  heares,  and  the  heare  of  their  horses,  in  token 
of  sorowe.  And  many  of  them  also,  when  they  were  come 
into  their  tentes  and  pavilions,  woulde  neither  have  fier,  eate, 
nor  drinke : and  all  the  campe  was  full  of  sorowe  and 
mourninge,  as  if  they  hadde  not  wonne  a notable  victorie,  but 
hadde  beene  overthrowen  and  made  subject  by  the  tyranne. 
Afterwardes  when  the  newes  of  his  deathe  was  spread  through 
all  the  con  trie,  the  Magistrates  of  everie  cittie  through  which 
Pelopidas  bodie  was  conveyed,  went  to  receave  it  verie 
honorablie,  accompanied  with  all  the  younge  menne,  Priestes, 
and  children,  caryinge  tokens  and  crownes  of  triumphe,  and 
other  ornamentes  of  golde.  And  when  his  funerall  daye 
came,  that  his  bodie  shoulde  be  caried  to  be  buried,  the 
oldest  and  noblest  persones  of  the  Thessalians  went  to  the 
Thebans,  and  prayed  them  that  they  might  have  the  bury- 
2 : TT  329 


PELOPIDAS 

Pelopidas 

slaine. 


The  great 
lamentacion 
and  mourning 
for  Pelopidas 
death. 


PELOPIDAS 

The  oration 
of  the  Thes- 
salians to  the 
Thebans. 


The  strange 
manner  of 
sorowe,  of 
Alexander 
the  great,  for 
the  death  of 
Ephestion. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

inge  of  him : and  one  amonge  them  beinge  the  mowthe  of 
the  reste,  spake  in  this  manner  to  the  Thebans.  4 My  Lordes 
4 of  Thebes,  our  good  beloved  frendes,  and  confederates,  we 
4 onely  crave  this  good  tume  at  your  handes,  wherin  you 
4 shal  much  honor  us,  and  in  our  great  calamity  somwhat 
4 also  comfort  us.  For  we  shall  never  more  accompany 
4 Pelopidas  alive,  nor  requite  his  honorable  deserts  to  us, 

4 that  he  shal  ever  know  them.  But  if  it  please  you  to  let 
4 us  handle  his  body  with  our  handes,  and  that  we  may  bury 
4 him,  and  set  forth  his  obsequies : we  will  imagine  then  at 
4 the  least  that  you  doe  thinke  that,  which  we  our  selves  do 
4 certainly  beleve : that  we  Thessalians,  not  you  Thebans, 

4 have  received  the  greatest  losse  of  both.  For  you  have  lost 
4 in  deede  a worthy  Captaine,  and  we  have  not  only  receaved 
4 that  like  losse  'with  you,  but  the  hope  also  of  recoveringe 
4 of  our  liberty.  For  how  dare  we  againe  sende  to  you 
4 for  an  other  Captaine,  when  we  can  not  redeliver  you 
4 Pelopidas  ? 1 The  Thebans  hearing  their  peticion,  graunted 
their  desire  : and  in  mine  opinion,  no  funeralles  could  be 
done  with  greater  pompe  and  honor,  then  the  Thessalians 
performed  his  : being  men  that  recken  not  dignity,  magni- 
ficence, and  pompe,  to  consist  in  ornaments  of  Ivory,  nor  of 
purple.  As  Philistus  doth  set  it  out,  who  praiseth  to  the 
moone  the  buryinge  of  Dionysius  the  tyran  of  Syracusa,  which 
was  the  ende  of  his  tyranny,  as  a sumptuous  conclusion  of  a 
stately  tragedy.  Amd  Alexander  the  great,  at  the  death  of 
Ephestion,  did  not  only  clippe  his  horse  heares  and  mules, 
but  plucked  downe  also  the  battellments  of  the  wals  of  the 
city : bicause  it  shoulde  appeare,  that  the  very  walles  them 
selves  did  moume  for  his  death,  shewinge  that  deformitie,  in 
steede  of  their  former  beawtie.  But  all  such  thinges  are 
done  only  by  force  and  compulsion,  apon  the  Lordes  com- 
maundementes,  which  doe  but  raise  up  envy  against  their 
memorie  for  whom  they  are  done,  and  hatred  of  them  that 
are  against  their  wdlles  constrained  to  do  the  thing  they 
misliked : and  are  no  just  proofes  of  honor  nor  good  will, 
but  rather  vaine  showes  of  barbarous  pompe,  and  pride  in 
him,  that  disposeth  his  authority  and  plenty  of  goodes,  in 
trifling  toyes  not  to  be  desired.  Where  contrariwise  it 
330 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

plainely  appeareth,  that  a private  man  dying  in  a foreine 
contry,  by  reason  should  be  accompted  most  happy  of  all 
other  creatures,  that  having  neither  his  wife,  kinne,  nor  his 
children  by  him,  he  should  be  conveyed  to  his  funerals, 
accompanied  with  such  multitudes  of  crowned  people  and 
number  of  cities,  envying  one  an  other  who  should  most 
honor  the  funerals,  as  being  unrequested,  and  least  of  all 
compelled.  For  saith  Esope,  the  death  of  a happy  man 
is  not  grevous,  but  most  blessed,  seeing  it  bringeth  all  good 
mens  doinges  to  happines,  and  leaveth  fortune  to  her  fickle 
chaunge,  and  sportinge  pleasure.  But  in  my  judgement,  a 
Lacedaemonian  spake  better,  when  he  sayd  to  Diagoras  an 
old  man,  that  had  him  selfe  in  old  time  gotten  victory  in  the 
games  Olympicall,  and  had  sene  besides,  his  own  children, 
and  his  childrens  children  (both  sonnes  and  daughters) 
crowned  with  victories  also  in  the  self  same  games : O 
Diagoras,  die  presently,  els  thou  shalt  never  come  to  heaven. 
But  these  victories  of  the  Olympicall  and  Pythian  games, 
whosoever  should  put  them  al  together,  are  not  to  be  com- 
pared with  one  of  the  battels  only,  that  Pelopidas  hath 
foughten  and  wonne : having  spent  the  most  parte  of  his 
time  in  great  calling  and  dignity,  and  lastly  ended  the  same, 
beinge  governor  of  Boeotia  the  third  time  (which  was  the 
highest  office  of  state  in  all  his  contry)  when  he  had  distroied 
the  tyrans  that  kept  the  Thebans  in  bondage,  and  iwas  also 
slaine  himselfe,  valiantly  fighting  for  the  recovery  of  the 
Thessalians  liberty.  But  as  Pelopidas  death  was  grevous  to 
the  Thebans  frends  and  confederats  : so  fell  it  out  very  pro- 
fitable for  them.  For  the  Thebans  hearinge  of  Pelopidas 
death,  did  not  delay  revenge,  but  sent  an  army  forthwith  of 
seven  thowsande  footemen,and  seven  hundred  horsemen,  under 
the  conduct  of  Malcitas,  and  of  Diogiton.  They  findinge 
Alexanders  army  overthrowen,  and  that  he  had  lost  the  most 
parte  of  his  strength,  did  compel  him  to  geve  up  the  Thessa- 
lians townes  he  kept  by  force  against  them,  and  to  set  the 
Magnesians,  the  Phthiotes,  and  the  Achaians  at  liberty,  with- 
drawinge  his  garrisons  he  had  placed  in  their  strong  holdes  : 
and  therewithall  to  sweare,  that  from  thence  forth  he  would 
marche  under  the  Thebans,  against  any  enemy  they  should 

331 


PELOPIDAS 

Pelopidas 

happines. 


Esops  say- 
inge  of  the 
happines  of 
the  dead. 


Death  a 
blessed  thing. 


The  Thebans 
revenged 
Pelopidas 
death. 


PELOPIDAS 


Alexander 
the  tyran  of 
Pheres  slaine 
by  his  wife. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

leade  him,  or  commaunde  him  to  go  against.  So,  the  Thebans 
were  pacified  apon  these  conditions.  Now  will  I tell  you 
how  the  gods  plagued  him  soone  after  for  Pelopidas  death, 
who  (as  we  have  tolde  you  before)  had  pretily  instructed 
Thebe  his  wife,  that  she  shoulde  not  feare  the  outward 
appearance  nor  power  of  his  tyranny,  although  she  were 
environed  with  souldiers  of  banished  men,  whom  the 
tyran  enterteined  to  gard  his  person.  Her  self  on  the 
other  side,  fearing  his  falshode,  as  also  hating  his  cruelty, 
conspired  her  husbands  death  with  her  three  brethren, 
Tisiphomus,  Pytholaus,  and  Lycophron,  and  executed  her 
conspiracy  after  this  sorte.  The  tyrans  palice  where  he  lay, 
was  straightly  garded  every  where  with  souldiers,  who  nightly 
watched  his  persone : but  their  bed  chamber  which  they 
commonly  used  to  lie  in,  was  in  the  top  of  al  his  palice, 
where  they  kept  a dog  tyed  at  the  chamber  dore,  to  give 
warninge,  which  was  a terrible  dog,  and  knewe  none  but  the 
tyran  and  his  wife,  and  his  keeper  that  gave  him  meate. 
Nowe  when  Thebe  purposed  to  worke  her  feate,  she  locked 
up  her  three  brethren  a whole  day  neere  unto  their  bed 
chamber.  So  when  night  was  come,  and  being  bed  time,  she 
went  her  selfe  alone  according  to  her  maner,  into  Alexanders 
chamber : and  finding  him  a sleepe,  she  stale  out  straight 
againe,  and  bad  the  keeper  of  the  dogge  to  cary  the  dogge 
away,  for  her  husbande  was  disposed  to  take  rest,  and  would 
have  no  noyse.  There  was  no  way  to  get  up  to  this  chamber 
but  by  a ladder,  which  she  let  downe  : and  fearing  least  her 
brethren  should  make  a noyse,  she  had  covered  the  ladder 
staves  with  wolle  before  she  let  it  fall  downe.  When  she 
had  gotten  them  up  with  their  swordes,  and  had  set  them 
before  the  dore,  she  went  first  her  selfe  into  the  chamber, 
and  tooke  away  the  tyrans  sword  that  hong  at  his  beds  head, 
and  showed  it  them,  as  a token  geven  them  that  he  was  a 
sleepe.  When  it  came  to  the  pinche  to  do  the  deede,  these 
young  men  were  afrayed,  and  their  heartes  beganne  to  faile 
them.  But  she  tooke  on  with  them  and  called  them  cowardly 
boyes,  that  would  not  stande  to  it,  when  it  came  to  the 
point,  and  with  all,  sware  in  her  rage,  that  she  woulde  goe 
wake  the  tyran,  and  open  all  the  treason  to  him.  So  partely 
332 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

for  shame,  and  partely  for  feare,  she  compelled  them  to  PELOPIDAS 
come  in,  and  to  step  to  the  bed,  her  selfe  holding  a lampe 
to  light  them.  Then  one  of  them  tooke  him  by  the  feete, 
and  bounde  them  hard : an  other  caught  him  by  the  heare 
of  his  head,  and  pulled  him  backewards : and  the  third 
thrust  him  through  with  his  sword.  So  by  chaunce  he  dyed  Alexander 
sooner  then  he  should  have  done,  and  otherwise  then  his  the  tyran  of 
wicked  life  deserved,  for  the  maner  of  his  death.  So  Alex-  Jj^^st^ran 
ander  was  the  first  tyran  that  was  ever  slaine  by  the  treason  thatwasslaine 
of  his  wife,  whose  body  was  most  villanously  and  dispitefully  by  his  wife, 
used  after  his  death.  For  when  the  townes  men  of 
Pheres  had  drawen  him  through  the  city  in  myer 
and  durt,  they  cast  him  out  at  length  to  the 
dogs  to  devoure. 

THE  ENDE  OF  PELOPIDAS  LIFE 


THE  LIFE  OF  MARCELLUS 


ARCUS  CLAUDIUS  that  was  five  times 

Consull  at  Rome,  was  the  sonne  (as  they  Marcellus 
say)  of  an  other  Marcus:  and  as  Posidonius  kinred. 
wryteth,  he  was  the  first  of  his  house 
surnamed  Marcellus,  as  who  would  say,  Marcellus 
a marshall  and  warlike  man  by  nature,  condicions. 
For  he  was  cunninge  at  weapons,  skilfull 
in  warres,  stronge  and  lusty  of  body, 
naturally  geven  to  fight.  Yet  was  he  no 


hardy,  and 

quarreller,  nor  shewed  his  great  corage,  but  in  warres  against 
the  enemy  : otherwise  he  was  ever  gentle,  and  fayer  con- 
dicioned.  He  loved  learning,  and  delited  in  the  Greeke 
tongue,  and  much  esteemed  them  that  could  speake  it.  For, 
he  him  selfe  was  so  troubled  in  matters  of  state,  that  he 
could  not  study,  and  follow  it,  as  he  desired  to  have  done. 
For  if  God  (as  Homer  sayth)  did  ever  make  men 

To  use  their  youth  in  warres,  and  battells  fierce  and  fell, 
till  crooked  age  came  creeping  on,  such  feates  for  to  expell  : 

333 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


The  Romanies 
troubled  with 
warres. 


Marcellus 
saved  his 
brother 
Octacilius. 


Marcellus 
chosen  iEdilis 
and  Augure. 


Marcellus 

accuseth 

Capitolinus. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

They  were  the  noblest  and  chiefest  men  of  Rome  at  that 
time.  For  in  their  youth,  they  fought  with  the  Carthaginians 
in  Sicile : in  their  middle  age,  against  the  Gaules,  to  kepe 
them  from  the  winning  of  all  Italie : and  againe  in  their 
old  age,  against  Hanniball  and  the  Carthaginians.  For 
their  age  was  no  priviledge  for  them  to  be  dispenced  with, 
in  the  service  of  their  warres,  as  it  was  else  for  common 
citizens : but  they  were  bothe  for  their  nobilitie,  as  also  for 
their  valliantnes  and  experience  in  warres,  driven  to  take 
charge  of  the  armies  delivered  them,  by  the  Senate  and 
people.  Now  for  Marcellus,  there  was  no  battell  could 
make  him  give  grounde,  beinge  practised  in  all  fightes  : but 
yet  he  was  more  valliant  in  private  combate  man  for  man, 
then  in  any  other  fight.  Therefore  he  never  refused  enemie 
that  did  chalenge  him,  but  slue  all  those  in  the  fielde  that 
called  him  to  the  combat.  In  Sicile  he  saved  his  brother 
Octacilius  life,  being  overthrowen  in  a skirmishe : for  with 
his  shielde  he  covered  his  brothers  body,  and  slue  them  that 
came  to  kill  him.  These  valliant  partes  of  him,  being  but 
a young  man,  were  rewarded  by  the  generalles  under  whom 
he  served,  with  many  crownes,  and  warlike  honors,  usually 
bestowed  apon  valliant  souldiers.  Marcellus  increasing  still 
his  valliantnes  and  good  service,  was  by  the  people  chosen 
iEdilis,  as  of  the  number  of  those  that  were  the  worthiest 
men,  and  most  honorable : and  the  Priestes  did  create  him 
Augure,  which  is  a kinde  of  Priesthoode  at  Rome,  having 
authority  by  law,  to  consider  and  observe  the  flying  of  birds, 
to  divine  and  prognosticate  thinges  thereupon.  But  in  the 
yere  of  his  office  of  Mdile,  he  was  forced  against  his  wil  to 
accuse  Capitolinus,  his  brother  in  office  with  him.  For  he 
being  a rash,  and  dissolute  man  of  life,  fell  in  dishonest  love 
with  his  colleagues  sonne  Marcellus,  that  bare  his  owne 
name  : who  beinge  a goodly  young  gentleman,  even  freshly 
come  to  mans  state,  was  as  well  thought  of,  and  taken  of 
every  man  for  his  manhoode  and  good  qualities,  as  any  way 
for  his  beawty  and  personage.  The  first  time  Capitolinus 
moved  this  dishonesty  to  him,  he  did  of  him  selfe  repulse 
his  shameles  offer,  without  any  others  privitie : but  when 
he  saw  he  came  againe  to  tempt  him  the  seconde  time,  he 
334 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

straight  revealed  it  to  his  father.  Marcellus  his  father  MARCEL- 
beinge  marvelously  offended  withall,  (as  he  had  good  cause)  hUS 
went  and  accused  Capitolinus  before  the  Senate.  Capitolinus 
at  the  first,  layed  in  many  exceptions  and  fained  excuses,  to 
kepe  him  from  appearing,  and  in  the  end  he  appealed  to  the 
Tribunes  of  the  people : but  they  declared  plainely  they 
would  not  receive  his  appeale,  nor  take  any  knowledge  of 
the  matter.  At  the  length  he  was  forced  to  aunswere  the 
matter  before  the  Senate,  and  denied  flatly  that  he  attempted 
ever  any  such  thinge,  bicause  there  were  no  witnesses  to 
prove  it  against  him.  Whereupon  the  Senate  thought  good 
to  sende  for  young  Marcellus  who  comminge  before  them, 
bothe  blushed,  and  wept  together.  The  Senate  seeinge 
shamefastnesse  in  him,  mingled  with  teares,  and  a malice 
that  coulde  not  be  pacified  without  seeking  other  proofe : 
they  tooke  it  a cleare  case,  and  so  condemned  Capitolinus 
presently  in  a great  summe  of  money,  which  Marcellus  con- 
verted into  silver  vessell,  to  serve  at  sacrifices,  and  so  did 
consecrate  them  to  the  service  of  the  goddes.  Now  when  The  Romanies 
the  Romaines  had  ended  their  first  warre  against  the  Car-  had  warres 
thaginians,  which  held  them  fully  the  space  of  two  and  tjj^in^ans^' 
twenty  yeares  : Immediatly  after  that,  they  beganne  a newe  two  and 
warre  against  the  Gaules.  For  the  Insubrians,  beinge  a twenty  yeres 
people  derived  from  the  Gaules,  and  dwelling  at  the  foote  together, 
of  the  mountaines  of  the  Alpes  on  Italie  side,  being  able  to  The  warre  of 
make  a good  power  of  them  selves,  did  notwithstanding  Gaules, 
pray  aide  of  the  other  Gaules  inhabiting  on  the  other  side 
of  the  mountaines : and  they  caused  the  Gessates,  a mer-  Gessates 
cenary  people  and  hierlings  to  them  that  woulde  give  pay,  mercenary 
to  bring  great  numbers  with  them.  Truely  me  thinkes  it  Gaules‘ 
was  a marvelous  matter,  and  wonderfull  good  happe  for  the 
Romaines,  that  this  warre  of  the  Gaules  came  not  apon  them, 
while  they  were  at  wars  with  the  Carthaginians : and  that 
the  Gaules  also  had  lien  quiet  all  that  while  (as  if  they  had 
purposely  sworne  to  set  apon  the  conquerors)  expecting  still 
an  end  betwene  them,  and  then  to  set  apon  the  conquerors, 
when  they  had  nothing  to  say  to  any  other.  Yet  the 
scituacion  of  their  contry  did  trouble  the  Romaines  much, 
bicause  they  were  so  nere  neighbours  unto  them,  and  had 

335 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


A lawe  to 
exempt  eccle- 
siastical per- 
sons from 
the  wars. 

The  Romanies 
did  feare  the 
warre  of  the 
Gaules, 


Men  and 
women  buried 
alive. 


Flaminius  and 
P.  Furius 
Consulls. 


Newes 
brought  to 
Rome,  of 
strange 
things  seene 
in  Romania. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

warres  as  it  were  at  their  owne  dores.  And  so  did  the 
auncient  reputacion  of  the  Gaules  somewhat  appawle  the 
Romaines,  who  as  it  shoulde  seeme  they  did  feare  more,  then 
any  other  nation  whatsoever  : bicause  Rome  had  bene  taken 
before  by  the  Gaules.  Since  which  time,  a law  was  made, 
that  Priestes  and  ecclesiasticall  persones  should  be  dispenced 
with,  from  going  to  the  warres,  onles  the  Gaules  did  rise 
against  them.  The  preparacion  they  made  for  this  warre  at 
that  time,  did  plainly  show  the  feare  they  had  then  of  the 
Gaules.  For  the  world  thinkes,  that  never  before,  nor  since, 
there  were  so  many  naturall  Romaines  assembled  together 
in  fielde,  as  were  then  at  that  present.  Moreover,  the  new 
come  cruelty  they  used  in  their  sacrifices,  doth  recorde  this 
to  be  true.  For  before,  they  never  used  any  straunge  maner 
in  their  sacrifice,  or  barbarous  facion,  but  were  favorable  in 
their  opinions  about  the  ceremonies  of  religion,  and  agree- 
able to  the  Greecians,  touching  the  service  of  the  goddes. 
But  then,  they  were  compelled  to  obey  certaine  oracles,  and 
auncient  prophecies  they  found  wrytten  in  Sibylles  bookes : 
and  they  buried  two  Greecians  alive  in  the  oxe  market,  a 
man  and  a woman,  and  likewise  two  Gaules,  a man  and  a 
woman.  Unto  them  they  doe  yet  con  tine  w certaine  secret 
anniversaries  in  November,  that  are  not  to  be  sene  of  every 
body.  The  Romaines  in  their  first  battels  of  this  warre, 
were  often  overcommen,  and  did  overcome  : but  these  battels 
were  to  litle  purpose,  for  ending  of  the  warres.  In  the  yere 
that  C.  Quintius  Flaminius,  and  P.  Furius  Philo  were 
Consuls,  and  sent  with  great  armies  to  make  warres  apon 
the  Insubrians,  people  subject  to  the  state  of  Milane  : newes 
were  brought  to  Rome,  that  there  was  a river  seene  in  the 
contry  of  Romania,  red  as  blood,  and  three  moones  also  at 
the  very  same  time  in  the  city  of  Rimini.  Furthermore, 
the  Priestes  and  Soothsayers,  that  had  observed  and  con- 
sidered the  tokens,  and  significations  of  birdes  on  that  day, 
when  these  two  were  chosen  Consuls : they  tolde  plainly 
there  was  error  in  their  election,  and  that  they  were  directly 
chosen  against  all  signes  and  tokens  of  the  birdes.  There- 
upon the  Senate  wrote  immediatly  to  the  campe  to  them, 
and  willed  them  to  come  home  to  depose  themselves  of  their 
336 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


Consulshippe,  before  they  did  attempt  any  thing  as  Consuls 
against  the  enemies.  The  Consul  Flaminius  receaved  the 
letters  in  time : but  bicause  he  was  ready  to  give  battell, 
he  woulde  not  open  them,  before  he  had  first  overthrowen 
his  enemies,  and  spoyled  their  contrie,  as  in  dede  he  did.  But 
when  he  was  come  backe  to  Rome  againe,  and  had  brought 
marvelous  great  spoyles  with  him,  the  people  for  all  that 
woulde  not  goe  out  to  meete  him,  bicause  he  did  not  pre- 
sently obey  the  letters  they  wrote  unto  him,  nor  returned 
apon  it  as  they  commaunded  him,  but  contemptuously, 
without  any  regard  of  their  displeasure,  followed  his  owne 
phantasie : whereupon  they  had  almost  flatly  denied  him 
the  honor  of  triumphe.  For  his  triumphe  was  no  sooner 
ended,  but  they  compelled  him  to  give  over  his  Consulship, 
and  made  him  a private  man  with  his  companion.  The 
Romaines  therein  were  so  religiously  bent,  as  they  would  all 
things  shoulde  be  referred  unto  the  gods  good  grace  and 
pleasure,  and  would  suffer  none  to  contemne  the  obser- 
vations and  prognosticatinge  of  the  soothsayers,  nor  their 
auncient  uses  and  customes,  for  any  prosperity  and  felicity 
that  could  happen.  For  they  thought  it  more  necessary 
and  profitable  for  benefit  of  the  common  weale,  that  the 
Senate  and  magistrates  should  reverence  the  ceremonies 
and  service  of  the  goddes : then  that  they  should  overcome 
their  enemies  in  battell.  As  for  example  Tiberius  Sem- 
pronius,  a man  as  much  honored  and  esteemed  of  the 
Romaines  for  his  justice  and  valliantnes,  as  any  other  of 
his  time : beinge  one  yeare  Consul,  did  nominate  and  elect 
two  other  for  Consuls  the  yeare  following,  Scipio  Nasica, 
and  Caius  Martius.  These  two  being  entred  into  their 
Consulship,  and  sent  from  Rome  also  to  their  severall  pro- 
vinces appointed  them  by  lot : Sempronius  by  chaunce  tooke 
certen  litle  bookes  in  his  hande,  where  were  briefly  written 
the  rules  appertaining  to  the  ceremonies  of  publike  sacrifice, 
and  reading  in  them,  he  found  a certaine  ordinaunce  he 
never  heard  before.  And  this  it  was.  That  if  a magistrate 
were  set  in  any  tent  or  hyred  house  without  the  citie,  to 
beholde  and  observe  the  prognostications  of  birdes,  and  that 
upon  any  sodaine  occasion  he  were  driven  to  come  againe 
2 : UU  SS7 


MARCEL- 

LUS 

Flaminius 
overcame  the 
Gaules  in 
battayle. 


The  great  re- 
ligion of  the 
Romaines. 


An  ordinance 
for  publike 
sacrifice. 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Marcellas  and 
Cneus  Corne- 
lius Consulls. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

into  the  citie,  before  the  birdes  had  given  any  certaine  signes  : 
the  second  time  when  he  returned  againe  to  ende  his  obser- 
vations, there  was  no  remedy,  but  he  must  leave  his  tent  or 
first  hyred  house,  and  take  an  other,  and  beginne  new  obser- 
vations againe.  Tiberius  utterly  ignoraunt  of  this  ordinaunce 
before,  had  kept  his  observations  twise  in  one  selfe  house, 
and  had  chosen  there,  Nasica  and  Martius,  Consulls  to  suc- 
ceede  him.  But  when  he  knew  he  had  offended,  he  told 
the  Senate  of  it : who  would  not  let  slippe  so  litle  a fault : 
but  wrote  to  the  newe  Consulls,  and  they  straight  left  their 
provinces,  and  returned  againe  to  Rome,  willingly  resigninge 
up  their  offices.  That  was  a prety  while  after.  Againe 
also,  about  the  very  present  time  we  write  of  nowe,  there 
were  two  Priestes  of  noble  houses  (and  noble  persones  also) 
the  one  called  Cornelius,  and  the  other  Cethegus,  bothe 
which  were  disgraded  of  their  Priesthoode,  bicause  they  had 
not  given  the  intrayles  of  the  sacrificed  beast  in  order,  as 
they  should  have  done.  Quintus  Sulpitius  in  like  maner, 
was  disgraded  of  his  Bishopricke,  bicause  his  miter  which 
the  Flamines  doe  weare,  fell  of  his  head  in  his  sacrificing. 
Minutius  being  Dictator  also,  and  havinge  chosen  Caius 
Plaminius  generall  of  the  horsemen  : bicause  they  heard  the 
noyse  of  a ratte  at  the  election  of  Flaminius,  they  were  bothe 
put  out  of  their  authoritie,  and  other  chosen  in  their  place. 
Now,  though  they  were  thus  precise  even  in  trifles,  it  was 
not  by  reason  of  any  supersticion  mingled  with  their  religion : 
but  bicause  they  woulde  not  breake  any  jotte  of  the  auncient 
institucions  and  ceremonies  of  their  contrie.  But  to  our 
storie  againe.  Flaminius  beinge  deprived  of  his  Consull- 
shippe,  Marcellus  was  created  Consull  in  his  place,  by  the 
regents  at  that  time  called  Interreges.  Marcellus  being  in- 
vested in  his  office,  chose  Cneus  Cornelius  for  his  companion : 
and  they  say,  that  the  Gaules  beinge  inclined  to  peace,  and 
the  Senate  of  Rome  also  willinge  to  harken  to  peace,  Mar- 
cellus did  stirre  up  the  people,  and  made  them  rather  desire 
warre.  Notwithstandinge,  they  concluded  peace  at  that  time: 
but  the  Gaules  Gessates  immediatly  after  renued  the  wars 
againe.  For  there  came  over  the  mountaines  of  the  Alpes,  a 
thirty  thowsand  of  them,  and  they  joyned  with  the  Insubrians, 
338 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


which  were  many  moe  in  number  then  them  selves.  Now,  they 
being  in  a marvelous  jolity,  went  incontinently  to  lay  siege 
to  the  city  of  Acerres,  that  standeth  apon  the  river  of  Po : 
and  during  the  siege,  king  Britomarus  taking  ten  thowsande 
Gessates  with  him,  went  and  destroyed  all  the  countrie  about 
the  Po.  Marcellus  hearing  that,  left  with  his  companion 
Cneus  Cornelius,  al  the  armed  footemen,  and  the  third  parte  of 
the  horsemen,  in  his  campe  by  Acerres : and  he  him  selfe  with 
the  residue  of  the  horsemen,  and  six  hundred  footemen  light 
armed,  marched  towards  the  enemy,  travelling  night  and  day, 
until  he  met  with  the  ten  thowsand  Gessates,  nere  unto  a 
village  of  Gaule  on  this  side  the  mountaines,  called  Clastidium, 
which  was  subject  not  long  before  to  the  Romaines.  So  he 
had  no  leasure  to  take  rest,  nor  to  refresh  his  men  a litle  : 
for  the  barbarous  people  knew  straight  he  was  come,  and 
tooke  him  for  no  better  then  by  and  by  overcome,  bicause 
he  had  so  fewe  footemen.  And  for  his  horsemen,  the  Gaules 
made  no  reckening  of  them : for  besides  themselves  are 
very  good  men  at  armes,  and  excell  all  other  in  that  fight, 
yet  were  their  number  of  horsemen  farre  above  Marcellus. 
Therefore  they  straight  marched  towardes  him  in  a marvelous 
furie,  and  with  thunderinge  showtes,  as  if  they  would  have 
devowred  them  at  their  comminge.  Britomarus  their  king, 
advaunced  him  selfe  before  all  his  company.  Marcellus  fear- 
ing to  be  compassed  in  behinde,  being  so  small  a number  : 
he  put  out  the  winges  of  his  horsemen  as  much  as  he  could, 
to  have  the  contrie  at  large,  so  that  his  two  wings  were  very 
slender,  untill  he  came  nere  his  enemies.  And  being  ready 
to  gallop  towardes  the  enemie,  it  fortuned  his  horse  beinge 
afraid  with  the  noyse  of  his  enemies,  turned  about,  and 
caried  Marcellus  backe  againe  in  spite  of  his  teeth.  But  he 
fearing  the  Romaines  supersticion,  in  taking  this  for  an  evill 
token,  and  that  they  woulde  take  a conceite  apon  the  same  : 
plucking  the  bridle  with  his  left  hande,  turned  his  horse  head 
againe  uppon  the  enemie,  and  then  he  worshipped  the  sunne,  as 
though  he  had  not  turned  his  horse  by  chaunce,  but  purposely 
for  that  cause.  For  it  is  the  Romaines  manner  to  turne 
about  so,  when  they  do  honor  their  goddei 
beganne  to  joyne  battell,  he  made  a vowe  to 


3.  So  when  they 
Iupiter  Feretrian, 
339 


MARCEL- 

LUS 

The  Gaules 
Gessates  make 
warres  with 
Rome,  and 
come  over 
the  Alpes. 
Acerres,  a 
city  apon  the 
river  of  Po. 


Clastidium, 
a village  on 
this  side  the 
mountaines. 


The  maner  of 
the  Romaines 
when  they 
worship. 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


The  combat 
on  horsebacke 
betwixt  Brito- 
marus  king 
of  the  Gaules, 
and  Mar- 
cellus. 


Marcellus 
slue  king 
Britomarus  at 
Clastidium. 


Marcellus 
prayer  unto 
Iupiter 
Feretrian. 


The  Gaules 
overcome  by 
Marcellus. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

to  offer  him  uppe  the  goodliest  spoyles  of  his  enemies,  if  he 
did  overcome.  The  kinge  of  the  Gaules  seeinge  him  at  that 
instant,  imagined  by  the  markes  and  tokens  he  saw,  that  he 
should  be  the  general  of  his  enemies : So  he  set  spurres  to 
his  horse,  and  gallopped  towardes  him  from  all  his  company 
geving  him  defiance,  and  chalenged  him,  shaking  his  staffe 
in  his  hande.  He  was  the  goodliest  persone  and  strongest 
man  of  all  the  Gaules,  and  his  armor  was  all  guilt  and  silvered, 
and  so  set  foorth  with  sundry  workes  and  colours,  that  it 
shined  as  the  sunne.  Marcellus  on  the  other  side  havinge 
viewed  all  the  army  of  his  enemies  through  out,  and  per- 
ceavinge  none  so  richely  armed  as  the  king : thought  straight 
it  was  against  him,  that  he  had  made  his  prayer  and  vowe 
to  Iupiter.  Then  he  put  his  horse  in  full  cariere  against 
him,  and  came  with  such  a force  and  fury  to  him,  that  he 
pearced  his  armor  with  his  staffe,  and  overthrew  him,  but  yet 
he  killed  him  not  dead  : wherupon  he  sodainly  redoubled 
two  or  three  strokes  besides  apon  him,  and  so  slew  him  right 
out.  Then  he  lighted  from  his  horse,  and  taking  the  dead 
kinges  armor  in  his  hande,  he  lift  up  his  eyes  to  heaven,  and 
said  : O Iupiter  Feretrian,  thou  that  doest  from  heaven 
beholde  and  direct,  all  marshall  feates  and  Captaines  deedes  : 
thy  selfe  I call  to  witnes,  that  I am  the  third  Romaine 
Captaine,  that  being  generall  of  the  army,  have  slaine  with 
my  owne  handes,  the  king  and  generall  of  the  enemies  : and 
I promise  here  to  thee,  to  offer  thee  up  the  richest  spoyles 
of  mine  enemies,  so  thy  godheade  will  vowchesafe  to  graunt 
us  the  like  good  fortune  in  all  this  warre  besides.  His  prayer 
ended,  the  men  of  armes  of  the  Romaines  ranne  in  among  the 
horsemen  and  footemen  of  the  Gaules,  one  being  unparted 
from  an  other : and  fortune  did  so  favor  them,  that  they 
wanne  a passing  victory,  in  such  a straunge  and  wonderfull 
maner,  as  was  incredible.  For  it  was  never  seene  before  nor 
since,  that  so  fewe  horsemen  did  overthrow,  so  great  a 
number  of  men  of  armes  and  footemen  ranged  together. 
Now  when  Marcellus  hadde  slaine  the  greater  number  of 
them,  and  had  gotten  their  spoyles  and  all  their  baggage : 
he  returned  againe  to  his  companion  Cneus  Cornelius,  whom 
he  founde  makinge  warres  unfortunately  with  the  Gaules, 
340 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


before  the  greatest  and  most  populous  city  they  had,  called 
Millaine,  which  the  Gaules  on  this  side  the  mountaines  take 
for  their  chiefe  city,  and  from  whence  all  other  had  their 
first  originall.  Whereupon  they  did  all  their  possible  ende- 
vor  to  defende  it,  and  did  as  straightly  besiege  the  Consull 
Cornelius,  as  he  did  them.  Now,  when  Marcellus  was  come 
to  the  campe  againe,  the  Gessates  understanding  that  their 
king  Britomarus  was  slaine  in  battel,  returned  backe  againe 
into  their  contry,  and  the  city  of  Millaine  was  taken. 
After  that,  all  the  other  cities  there  about  yelded  of  them 
selves,  without  force  of  siege,  and  the  Gaules  wholly  sub- 
mitted them  selves  and  all  that  they  had,  to  the  mercy  of  the 
Romaines,  who  graunted  them  peace  uppon  easie  condicions. 
For  these  famous  victories,  the  Senate  of  Rome  gave  all  the 
honor  of  triumphe  unto  Marcellus  only,  and  that  was  as 
wonderfull  and  worthy  a sight,  as  any  that  ever  past  before 
him  : what  for  the  infinite  spoyles,  and  the  numbers  of  great 
men  taken  prisoners,  and  also  for  the  exceeding  sumptuous- 
nes  and  stately  shew  thereof.  But  the  goodliest  sight  of  all 
for  the  rarenes,  was  to  behold  Marcellus  selfe,  carying  on  his 
shoulders  the  whole  spoyle  of  the  barbarous  king,  to  offer  up 
to  Iupiter  Feretrian.  For  he  had  cut  downe  a goodly  younge 
oke  of  the  mountaine,  straight,  and  shut  up  very  long,  which 
he  had  trimmed  up  in  forme  of  triumphe,  hanging  all  the 
armed  peces  he  had  wonne  of  the  king,  very  orderly  rounde 
about  it.  Then,  when  all  the  show  of  his  triumphe  was  past, 
he  him  selfe  tooke  the  oke  on  his  shoulders,  and  gotte  up 
upon  his  triumphing  charet,  and  so  marched  through  the 
city,  carying  these  signes  thereupon  : which  was  the  noblest 
sight,  and  honorablest  show,  of  the  whole  triumphe.  His 
army  followed  after  the  charet,  singing  verses  and  songes  of 
victory,  in  praise  of  the  goddes  and  their  Captaine : and 
when  he  had  passed  through  the  whole  city,  and  was  come 
to  the  temple  of  Iupiter  called  Feretrian,  there  he  set  up 
this  young  oke,  and  token  of  triumphe.  This  Marcellus  is 
the  third  and  last  Romaine  Captaine,  to  whom  happened 
this  honor  in  our  age.  For  the  first  man  that  ever  off  red  up 
to  Iupiter  the  spoyles  of  the  general  of  their  enemies,  was 
king  Romulus,  who  wanne  the  like  spoyles  of  Acron,  king  of 

341 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Marcellus 
wanne  the 
city  of 
Millaine. 


Marcellus 

triumphe. 


Marcellus 
offeringe  up 
of  his  rich 
spoiles. 


MARCEL- 

LUS 

The  three 
persones  that 
offered  up 
Spolia  opima 
in  Rome : 
Romulus. 
Cossus. 
Marcellus. 

Iupiter  Fere- 
trian  why  so 
called. 


Spolia  opima 
what  they  he. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

the  Casninians.  The  second  was  Cornelius^Cossus,  who  slue 
Tolumnius,  generall  of  the  Thuscans.  And  the  third  was 
Marcellus,  who  slue  with  his  owne  handes  Britomarus,  king 
of  the  Gaules : and  after  him,  no  man  ever  since  could 
obtaine  the  like  good  fortune.  The  god  to  whom  these 
maner  of  spoyles  are  consecrated  thus,  is  called  Iupiter 
Feretrian,  so  tearmed  as  some  write,  bicause  they  do  cary 
this  token  of  triumphe  to  him,  following  the  derivation  of 
this  Greeke  word,  Ferin , which  signifieth  to  cary : for  in 
those  former  times,  many  Greeke  words  were  mingled  with 
the  Latine.  Other  affirme  it  is  one  of  the  surnames  of 
Iupiter,  signifying  as  much  as  lightening  : for  Ferire  in  the 
Latine  tonge,  signifieth  to  strike.  And  some  say  also,  in 
warres  it  is  properly  to  hurt  or  kill  with  his  owne  handes : 
for  the  Romaines  do  use  at  this  day  when  they  geve  a charge 
apon  their  enemies  in  battell,  or  that  they  have  them  in 
chase  flying,  to  crie,  incoraging  one  an  other,  Feri>  Feri : 
which  is  as  much,  as  kill,  kill.  And  the  spoyles  taken  from 
the  enemies  also,  are  generally  called  Spolia : but  those 
which  Lieutenantes  generall,  or  generalles,  do  take  from  the 
generalles  of  their  enemies,  when  they  have  slaine  them,  they 
are  called  particularly  Spolia  opima.  Yet  some  hold  opinion, 
that  kinge  Numa  Pompilius  mencioning  the  rich  spoyles, 
or  Spolia  opima  in  his  commentaries,  speaketh  of  the  first, 
the  second,  and  the  third : and  commaundeth  that  the  first 
spoyles  which  are  wonne,  should  be  consecrated  to  Iupiter 
Feretrian : the  second  unto  Mars : and  the  third  unto 
Quirinus.  And  that  they  should  give  to  him  that  had  wonne 
the  first  spoyles,  three  hundred  Asses  : the  second,  two 
hundred : and  the  third  a hundred.  But  notwithstanding, 
the  best  opinion  and  usuall  taking  of  Spolia  opima , referreth 
them  to  be  the  first  spoyles  wonne  in  a foughten  field,  and 
those  which  the  Lieutenant  of  an  army,  or  a general,  doth 
take  from  the  general  of  the  enemies,  after  he  hath  slaine 
him  with  his  owne  handes.  And  thus  much  for  declaracion 
of  this  matter.  Furthermore,  the  Romaines  were  so  joyfull 
of  this  victory,  and  of  their  good  successe  in  this  warre,  that 
they  caused  a massie  cuppe  of  golde  to  be  made  of  the  spoyle 
they  had  gotten,  weyinge  a hundred  pounde  weight,  which 
34& 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


they  sent  to  offer  up  in  the  temple  of  Apollo  Pythias,  in  the 
city  of  Delphes,  in  token  of  thankes : and  they  made  liberall 
division  besides  of  the  spoyles  unto  their  frendes  and  con- 
federates, and  sent  a great  parte  of  it  unto  Hieron  king 
of  Syracusa,  who  was  their  confederate.  Not  long  after, 
Hanniball  being  entred  Italie,  Marcellus  was  sent  with  an 
army  by  sea,  into  Sicile.  And  after  the  great  overthrow  was 
given  at  the  battel  of  Cannes,  wherin  there  died  so  many 
thowsande  Romanies,  and  that  very  few  of  them  saved  them 
selves  by  flyinge,  into  the  city  of  Cannusium  : they  looked 
that  Hanniball  havinge  overcome  the  flower  of  all  the 
Romaines  youth,  and  their  greatest  force,  woulde  not  fayle 
to  come  straight  to  Rome.  Wherefore  Marcellus  first  sent 
fifteene  hundred  of  his  men  by  sea,  to  help  to  defende  Rome  : 
and  havinge  afterwardes  receaved  commaundement  from  the 
Senate,  he  came  to  Cannusium,  where  he  tooke  such  as  were 
fled  thither  for  succor  after  the  battell,  and  so  brought  them 
out  to  the  fielde,  to  defende  the  contrie.  Now  the  Romaines 
having  lost  the  most  parte  of  all  their  best  Captaines,  in 
diverse  sundry  battells  before : of  all  those  that  remained, 
Fabius  Maximus  was  the  onely  able  and  reputed  man  for 
commendacion  of  his  honesty  and  wisedom,  yet  they  misliked 
of  him  notwithstanding,  for  a timerous  man,  and  of  no 
corage,  as  a man  to  ful  of  doubts  and  consideracion,  and 
loth  to  put  any  thing  in  hazard : saying,  he  was  a good 
Captaine  to  defende,  but  not  to  offende  the  enemy.  Where- 
upon they  thought  good  to  joyne  Marcellus  lively  youth 
and  corage,  with  Fabius  feminine  feare  and  wisedom : and 
therefore  some  yeares  they  chose  them  both  Consulls  together, 
or  else  they  sent  one  of  them  as  Consull,  and  the  other  as 
Proconsull,  eche  in  his  turne,  to  the  contrie  where  they  hadde 
warres.  And  for  proofe  hereof,  Posidonius  wryteth,  that  the 
Romaines  at  that  time  called  Fabius  Maximus  their  target, 
and  Marcellus  their  sword.  Therefore  Hanniball  him  selfe 
sayed,  he  feared  Fabius  Maximus  as  his  governor,  and 
Marcellus  as  his  enemy : bicause  the  one  kept  him  from 
hurting  of  others,  and  the  other  did  hurt  to  him  selfe. 
Immediatly  after  this  great  victory  at  Cannes,  Hannibals 
souldiers  became  so  bolde,  so  carelesse,  and  disordered,  that 

343 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Marcellus 
sent  into 
Sicile  with 
an  army. 


Posidonius 
wordes  of 
Fabius  and 
Marcellus. 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Lucius  Ban- 
dius, of  Nola : 
a valliant 
man. 


Marcellus 

gentlenes. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

they  kept  the  fielde  without  feare  of  any  thing,  and  dispersed 
them  selves  farre  from  their  campe : wherefore  Marcellus 
setting  apon  those  stragglers,  he  slue  them  every  man,  and 
so  by  litle  and  litle  did  still  lessen  the  power  and  strength 
of  his  enemy.  Afterwardes  he  aided  the  cities  of  Bizantium 
and  of  Nola,  and  stablished  the  true  devotion  and  love  of 
the  Bizantines  towardes  the  Romaines : from  thence  he  went 
to  Nola,  and  found  great  sedition  there  betwixt  the  Senate 
and  people,  bicause  the  Senate  coulde  not  keepe  the  people 
in  obedience,  but  they  woulde  needes  take  Hannibals  parte. 
The  cause  of  the  peoples  stubbornnesse  grewe,  by  occasion 
of  a gentleman  of  the  city  called  Bandius,  a noble  gentleman 
to  the  people,  and  a valliant  man  of  his  hands.  This  Bandius 
having  fought  valliantly  at  the  battell  of  Cannes,  after  he 
hadde  slaine  many  a Carthaginian,  was  him  selfe  in  the  ende 
striken  downe,  and  founde  lyinge  amonge  deade  bodies,  sore 
wounded  and  mangled : whereupon  Hanniball  greatly  com- 
mending his  valliantnes,  did  not  onely  let  him  go  without 
ransome,  but  furthermore  presented  him,  and  made  him  his 
hoste  and  frende.  Hereupon  Bandius  at  his  comming  home, 
to  requite  Hannibals  honor  and  curtesie,  became  one  of  those 
that  most  favored  Hannibal,  and  most  pers waded  the  people 
of  Nola  to  take  his  parte.  Notwithstandinge  this,  Marcellus 
thinking  it  to  great  a sinne  against  the  goddes,  to  put  a man 
to  death  that  had  made  so  great  proofe  of  his  valliantnes, 
and  had  served  with  the  Romaines  in  their  greatest  warres, 
and  extremest  daunger,  and  who  besides  the  goodnes  of  his 
nature,  hadde  a marvelous  gift  also,  to  winne  mens  good  wills 
by  his  great  curtesie : when  this  Bandius  came  one  day  to 
do  his  duety  to  him,  Marcellus  of  purpose  asked  him  what 
he  was,  though  he  had  knowen  him  long  before,  only  to  take 
occasion  to  talke  with  him.  The  other  aunswered  him,  his 
name  was  Lucius  Bandius.  Then  Marcellus  seeming  to  be 
marvelous  glad,  and  to  wonder  at  him,  sayed : And  art  thou 
that  Bandius  they  speake  of  so  much  at  Rome,  whom  they 
say  did  so  notable  service  in  persone  at  the  battel  of  Cannes, 
and  never  forsooke  Paulus  JEmilius  the  Consull,  but  receaved 
so  many  woundes  uppon  thy  body  in  defence  of  him  ? 
Bandius  aunswered,  that  he  was  the  man,  and  therewith 
344 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

shewed  him  many  woundes  he  had  apon  his  body.  Marcellus  MARCEL- 

then  replyed  : Alas,  thou  that  cariest  such  notable  markes  hUS 

of  thy  unfained  love  towards  us,  what  diddest  thou  meane, 

that  thou  earnest  not  straight  againe  unto  us  ? art  thou 

perswaded  we  are  so  miserable  and  unthankefull,  that  we 

will  not  worthily  reward  the  vertue  and  valliantnesse  of  our 

frendes,  whom  our  enemies  selves  do  honor  ? After  Marcellus 

had  used  this  curteous  speach  unto  him,  and  had  imbraced 

him,  he  gave  him  a goodly  horse  for  service  in  the  warres, 

and  five  hundred  Drachmes  of  silver  besides.  So  after  that  Reward  made 

time,  Bandius  did  ever  take  Marcellus  parte,  and  alwayes  Bandius  a 

followed  him,  being  very  faithfull  to  him,  and  shewed  him  true  subJect- 

selfe  very  seveare  and  earnest  to  accuse  them,  that  tooke 

Hannibals  parte  in  the  city : which  were  many  in  number, 

and  had  conspired  among  them  selves,  that  the  first  time  the 

Romaines  should  go  into  the  fielde  to  skirmishe  with  the 

enemies,  they  woulde  shut  the  gates  after  them,  and  take 

the  spoyle  of  al  their  cariages.  Marcellus  being  informed 

of  this  treason,  did  set  his  men  in  battell  raye  within  the 

city,  hard  by  the  gates,  and  behind  them  he  placed  al  the 

sumpters  and  cariage  in  good  order : besides  that,  he  made 

proclamation  by  trompet,  that  no  citizen  apon  paine  of 

death  shoulde  approch  the  walles.  This  occasion  drew 

Hanniball  to  come  hard  to  the  city,  seeinge  no  watche  apon 

the  walles,  and  made  him  the  bolder  to  come  in  disorder, 

imagininge  there  had  bene  some  mutinie  or  sedition  within, 

betwene  the  noble  men  and  the  people.  But  in  the  meane  Marcellus 

time,  Marcellus  set  open  the  gates  being  hard  by,  and  sayling  vjetone  of 

out  apon  the  sodaine  with  the  best  men  of  armes  he  had,  he  ata^}ad 

gave  a charge  upon  Hanniball  in  the  voward.  Immediatly 

after  came  out  his  footemen  at  an  other  gate,  running 

straight  upon  Hanniball,  with  a wonderfull  crie  and  showte  : 

so  as  Hanniball  to  withstand  them,  was  driven  to  devide  his 

men  in  two  companies.  But  as  he  was  devidinge  of  them, 

sodainely  a third  gate  opened  apon  them,  from  whence  all 

the  residue  of  the  Romaines  issued  out,  who  sette  uppon  the 

Carthaginians  on  every  side,  they  beinge  marvelously  amazed 

to  be  so  sodainely  set  on,  which  they  looked  not  for : so 

having  their  handes  full  with  those  that  came  first  apon  them, 

2 : XX  345 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Marcellus 

proconsull. 


beinge  scant  able  to  defende  them  selves  against  them,  and 
seeinge  this  newe  and  last  charge  also  : they  were  forced  to 
retyre.  This  was  the  first  time,  that  ever  Hannibals  souldiers 
beganne  to  give  place  to  the  Romaines,  who  drave  them 
backe  unto  their  campe,  and  slewe  a great  number  of  them, 
and  did  hurt  diverse  of  them  besides.  For  some  wryte,  there 
were  slaine  of  the  Carthaginians  at  that  conflict,  above  five 
thowsande : and  of  the  Romaines  there  died  not  past  five 
hundred  men.  But  Titus  Livius  doth  not  set  out  the  over- 
throw so  great,  and  yet  confesseth  that  Marcellus  wanne 
great  honor  by  it,  and  that  it  made  the  Romaines  marvelous 
valliant  againe,  after  so  many  and  sundry  battells  as  they 
had  lost  one  after  an  other : for  then  they  were  perswaded 
that  they  fought  not  with  an  enemy  altogether  unvincible, 
but  that  he  might  somtime  also,  as  well  as  them  selves, 
receive  both  losse  and  hurt.  Therefore,  one  of  the  Consulls 
dyinge  about  that  time,  the  people  caused  Marcellus  to  be 
sent  for,  and  placed  him  in  his  roome : and  in  spite  of  the 
Senate  they  deferred  all  deputacion  untill  his  returne  from 
the  campe.  Marcellus  came  no  sooner  to  Rome,  but  he  was 
chosen  Consull  in  the  deade  mans  roome,  by  all  the  voyces 
of  the  people.  Notwithstandinge,  when  they  went  to  choose 
him,  it  thundered  marvelously : which  the  Priestes  and 
Augures  tooke  for  an  ill  token,  but  yet  they  durst  not  openly 
speake  against  his  election,  bicause  they  feared  the  people. 
Howbeit  Marcellus  of  him  selfe  did  willingly  give  up  his 
Consullshippe,  and  yet  was  it  no  exception  to  him  for  his 
service  in  the  warres : for  they  created  him  Proconsull,  and 
sent  him  againe  to  the  campe  at  Nola,  where  he  did  severely 
punishe  such  as  tooke  Hannibals  parte.  Who  being  adver- 
tised thereof,  came  thither  with  all  possible  spede  to  helpe 
them  : and  even  at  his  first  comming,  he  offered  Marcellus 
battell,  which  refused  it  at  that  time.  Nevertheles,  he  tooke 
his  time,  when  Hanniball  hadde  sent  the  best  parte  of  his 
army  to  forrage,  as  meaning  to  fight  no  more  battels : and 
then  he  set  apon  him,  having  given  his  footemen  long  pykes, 
such  as  they  use  in  fight  apon  the  sea,  and  taught  them 
also,  howe  to  hurt  the  enemy  a farre  of,  keping  them  still  in 
their  handes.  But  the  Carthaginians  having  no  skill  of  their 
346 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

pykes,  and  fighting  with  shorte  javelings  in  their  hands,  did 
strike  downe  right  blowes : which  was  the  cause,  that  they 
being  set  apon  by  the  Romaines,  were  driven  to  turne  their 
backes,  and  flee  before  them.  So  there  were  five  thowsande 
of  the  Carthaginians  left  dead  in  the  field,  foure  elephants 
slaine,  and  two  taken  alive : and  furthermore,  three  dayes 
after  the  battell,  there  came  a three  hundred  horsemen,  some 
of  them  Spaniards,  and  other  Numidians,  that  submitted 
them  selves  to  the  Romaines.  Never  came  there  such  a 
misfortune  before  to  Hanniball : who  had  of  long  time  kept 
together  in  great  love  and  amity,  an  army  assembled  of 
sundry  barbarous  nations  and  people.  Howbeit  these  three 
hundred  continued  ever  after  faithfull  to  the  end,  both  to 
Marcellus,  and  to  all  other  Lieutenants  and  generals  of  the 
Romaines.  Shortely  after,  Marcellus  beinge  againe  chosen 
Consull  the  thirde  time,  went  into  Sicile.  For  Hannibals 
prosperous  successe  and  victories  had  so  incoraged  the 
Carthaginians,  as  they  sought  againe  to  conquer  this  Ilande  : 
and  specially  bicause  that  after  the  death  of  Hieronimus  the 
tyran,  there  rose  some  tumult  at  Syracusa.  Uppon  which 
occasion,  the  Romaines  had  sent  an  army  thither  before, 
and  a Praetor  called  Appius : at  whose  handes  Marcellus 
having  received  the  army,  a great  number  of  the  Romaines 
became  humble  suters  to  him,  to  pray  him  to  aide  them  in 
their  calamity,  which  was  this.  Of  those  that  scaped  from 
the  battell  of  Cannes,  some  saved  them  selves  by  flying, 
other  were  taken  prisoners,  of  which  there  were  such  a 
number,  as  it  appeared  that  Rome  had  not  people  enough 
left  onely  to  keepe  the  walles.  Nevertheles,  those  few  that 
remained,  their  hartes  were  so  great,  that  they  woulde  never 
redeeme  the  prisoners,  which  Hannibal  was  contented  to 
deliver  them  uppon  small  ransome,  but  made  a decree  they 
should  not  be  redeemed : and  so  suffered  some  of  them  to  be 
killed,  others  to  be  solde  for  slaves  out  of  Italie.  And  more- 
over, those  that  saved  them  selves  by  flying,  they  sent  straight 
into  Sicile : commaunding  they  should  not  once  set  foote 
againe  in  Italie,  whilest  they  had  warres  with  Hanniball. 
These  were  the  men  that  came  altogether,  and  fell  downe  at 
Marcellus  feete,  so  soone  as  he  arrived  in  Sicile,  and  humbly 

347 


marcel- 

lus; 


Certaine 
Spanyards 
and  Numi- 
dians re- 
volted from 
Hanniball. 


Marcellus  the 
third  time 
Consull,  sent 
into  Sicile. 


The  severity 
of  the 

Romaines  to 

cowardly 

souldiers. 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Cowardes  de- 
tested of  the 
Romaines. 


Hippocrates 
generall  of 
the  Syra- 
cusans. 


Marcellus 
wanne  the 
city  of  the 
Leontines. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

besought  him,  to  appoint  them  to  serve  under  some  ensigne, 
that  they  might  fight  to  do  their  contrie  honor  and  service : 
promising  him  with  teares  running  downe  their  cheekes,  that 
their  faithfull  service  then  should  witnesse  for  them,  that 
the  overthrow  they  had  at  Cannes,  fell  apon  them  rather  by 
misfortune,  then  through  lacke  of  corage.  Whereupon 
Marcellus  having  compassion  on  them,  wrote  to  the  Senate 
in  their  favor,  and  prayed  them  that  they  would  graunt  him 
licence  to  supply  the  bands  of  his  army,  as  they  diminished, 
with  those  poore  Romaines  his  contrymen.  Many  reasons 
passed  to,  and  fro,  against  this  sute : nevertheles,  it  was 
concluded  in  the  ende  by  the  Senate,  that  the  common  wealth 
made  no  reckening  of  the  service  of  faint  harted  men  like 
women  : wherefore  if  Marcellus  thought  good  of  their  service, 
yet  it  shoulde  not  be  lawfull  for  him  to  give  them  any 
crownes  or  rewards  of  honor,  for  any  notable  service  soever 
they  did,  as  all  generalles  are  wont  to  give  to  honest  men 
that  serve  valliantly.  This  order  of  the  Senate  misliked 
Marcellus  very  much,  who  at  his  returne  home  out  of  Sicile, 
made  his  complaint  in  open  Senate,  and  told  them  they  did 
him  manifest  wrong,  to  deny  him  that  favor,  that  having 
done  his  common  wealth  such  faithful  service  diverse  times, 
as  he  had  done,  he  might  not  restore  so  many  poore  Romaines 
to  their  honor  againe.  Nowe,  when  Marcellus  was  in  Sicile, 
he  received  great  hurtes  and  injuries  by  Hippocrates,  generall 
of  the  Syracusans : who,  to  pleasure  the  Carthaginians,  and 
by  their  meanes  to  make  him  selfe  chiefe  Lord  of  Syra- 
cusa,  did  put  many  Romaine  citizens  to  death.  Wherupon 
Marcellus  went  and  layed  siege  to  thq  city  of  the  Leontines, 
and  when  he  had  taken  it  by  assault,  he  hurt  never  a townes 
man,  nor  naturall  citizen  of  the  same : but  such  traytors  as 
he  founde  there,  and  had  fled  from  his  campe,  and  yelded  to 
the  enemies,  them  he  caused  to  be  whipped,  and  then  hanged. 
But  notwithstanding,  Hippocrates  had  before  caused  it  to  be 
bruted  at  Syracusa,  that  Marcellus  had  put  all  the  Leontines 
to  the  sword,  not  sparing  litle  children : and  afterwards 
Hippocrates  comming  thither  on  the  sodaine,  in  the  feare 
and  garboyle  of  this  false  brute,  he  easily  tooke  the  city. 
Marcellus  hearing  Hippocrates  had  taken  Syracusa,  left  forth- 
348 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


with  the  Leontines,  and  went  with  his  whole  army,  and 
camped  hard  by  Syracusa : and  sent  his  Ambassadors  to  tell 
the  Syracusans  truely,  what  he  had  done  in  the  city  of  the 
Leontines,  and  quite  contrarie  to  that  they  were  informed 
of.  Howbeit  that  prevailed  not,  for  they  beleved  not  Mar- 
cell us,  bicause  Hippocrates  being  the  stronger,  had  wonne 
the  city.  Wherupon  he  beganne  then  to  approch  the  walles, 
and  to  assault  in  every  quarter,  as  well  by  sea  as  by  lande. 
Appius  tooke  charge  of  them  that  gave  assault  by  lande. 
Marcellus  him  selfe,  with  three  score  galleyes  of  five  owers 
at  every  bancke,  well  armed,  and  full  of  all  sortes  of  artillery 
and  fire  works,  did  assault  by  sea,  and  rowed  hard  to  the 
walle,  having  made  a great  engine  and  devise  of  battery, 
uppon  eight  galleyes  chained  together,  to  batter  the  walle  : 
trusting  in  the  great  multitude  of  his  engines  of  battery, 
and  to  all  such  other  necessarie  provision  as  he  had  for 
warres,  as  also  in  his  owne  reputacion.  But  Archimedes 
made  light  accompt  of  all  his  devises,  as  in  deede  they  were 
nothinge  comparable  to  the  engines  him  selfe  had  invented  : 
and  yet  were  not  his  owne  such,  as  him  selfe  did  recken  of, 
to  shew  singularity  of  worke  and  devise.  For  those  he  had 
made,  were  but  his  recreations  of  Geometry,  and  thinges 
done  to  passe  the  time  with,  at  the  request  of  king  Hieron  : 
who  had  prayed  him  to  call  to  minde  a litle,  his  geometricall 
speculation,  and  to  apply  it  to  thinges  corporall  and  sencible, 
and  to  make  the  reason  of  it  demonstrative,  and  plaine,  to 
the  understanding  of  the  common  people  by  experiments, 
and  to  the  benefit  and  commodity  of  use.  For  this  inventive 
arte  to  frame  instruments  and  engines,  (which  are  called 
mechanicall,  or  organicall,  so  highly  commended  and  esteemed 
of  all  sortes  of  people)  were  first  set  forth  by  Architas,  and 
by  Eudoxus : partely  to  beawtifie  a litle  the  science  of 
Geometry  by  this  finenes,  and  partly  to  prove  and  confirme 
by  materiall  examples  and  sencible  instruments,  certeine 
Geometrical  conclusions,  wherof  a man  can  not  finde  out  the 
conceiveable  demonstrations,  by  enforced  reasons  and  proofes. 
As  that  conclusion  which  instructeth  one  to  searche  out  two 
lynes  meane  proportionall,  which  can  not  be  proved  by  reason 
demonstrative,  and  yet  notwithstandinge  is  a principall  and 

349 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Marcellus 

besiegeth 

Syracusa. 


Archimedes 
a notable 
mathe- 
matician. 


Architas  and 
Eudoxus, 
famous 
Mathema- 
ticians. 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Why  Plato 
reproved 
Eudoxus  and 
Architas. 


Archimedes 
with  an  engine 
drew  one  of 
the  greatest 
hulkesHieron 
the  king  had 
a shore. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

an  accepted  grounde,  for  many  thinges  which  are  conteined 
in  the  arte  of  portraiture.  Both  of  them  have  facioned  it 
to  the  workemanship  of  certeine  instruments,  called  Meso- 
labes  or  Mesographes,  which  serve  to  finde  these  meane  lines 
proportionall,  by  drawing  certaine  curve  lines,  and  over- 
thwart and  oblike  sextions.  But  after  that,  Plato  was 
offended  with  them,  and  mainteined  against  them,  that  they 
did  utterly  corrupt  and  disgrace,  the  worthines  and  excel- 
lency of  Geometry,  making  it  to  discende  from  things  not 
comprehensible,  and  without  body,  unto  things  sencible  and 
materiall,  and  to  bringe  it  to  a palpable  substance,  where 
the  vile  and  base  handie  worke  of  man  is  to  be  employed  : 
since  that  time  I say,  handy  craft,  or  the  arte  of  engines, 
came  to  be  separated  from  Geometry,  and  being  long  time 
despised  by  the  Philosophers,  it  came  to  be  one  of  the  warlike 
artes.  But  Archimedes  havinge  tolde  king  Hieron,  his  kinse- 
man  and  very  frende,  that  it  was  possible  to  remove  as  great 
a weight  as  he  would,  with  as  litle  strength  as  he  listed  to 
put  to  it : and  boasting  him  selfe  thus  (as  they  reporte  of 
him)  and  trusting  to  the  force  of  his  reasons,  wherewith  he 
proved  this  conclusion,  that  if  there  were  an  other  globe  of 
earth,  he  was  able  to  remove  this  of  ours,  and  passe  it  over 
to  the  other : kinge  Hieron  wondering  to  heare  him,  required 
him  to  put  this  devise  in  execution,  and  to  make  him  see  by 
experience,  some  great  or  heavy  weight  removed,  by  litle 
force.  So  Archimedes  caught  hold  with  a hooke  of  one  of 
the  greatest  carects,  or  hulkes  of  the  king  (that  to  draw  it 
to  the  shore  out  of  the  water,  required  a marvelous  number 
of  people  to  go  about  it,  and  was  hardly  to  be  done  so)  and 
put  a great  number  of  men  more  into  her,  than  her  ordinary 
burden:  and  he  himselfe  sittinge  alone  at  his  ease  farre  of, 
without  any  straining  at  all,  drawing  the  ende  of  an  engine 
with  many  wheeles  and  pullyes,  fayer  and  softly  with  his 
hande,  made  it  come  as  gently  and  smoothly  to  him,  as  it 
had  floted  in  the  sea.  The  king  wondering  to  see  the  sight, 
and  knowing  by  proofe  the  greatnes  of  his  arte : he  prayed 
him  to  make  him  some  engines,  both  to  assault  and  defend, 
in  all  maner  of  sieges  and  assaultes.  So  Archimedes  made 
him  many  engines,  but  kinge  Hieron  never  occupied  any  of 
350 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


them,  bicause  he  raigned  the  most  parte  of  his  time  in  peace, 
without  any  warres.  But  this  provision  and  munition  of 
engines,  served  the  Syracusans  turne  marvelously  at  that 
time : and  not  only  the  provision  of  the  engines  ready  made, 
but  also  the  enginer  and  worke  maister  him  selfe,  that  had 
invented  them.  Now,  the  Syracusans  seeing  them  selves 
assaulted  by  the  Romaines,  both  by  sea  and  by  land,  were 
marvelously  perplexed,  and  could  not  tel  what  to  say,  they 
were  so  afrayed : imagining  it  was  impossible  for  them  to 
withstande  so  great  an  army.  But  when  Archimedes  fell  to 
handle  his  engines,  and  to  set  them  at  liberty,  there  flue  in 
the  ayer  infinite  kindes  of  shot,  and  marvelous  great  stones, 
with  an  uncredible  noyse  and  force  on  the  sodaine,  apon  the 
footemen  that  came  to  assault  the  city  by  land,  bearing  downe, 
and  tearing  in  peeces  all  those,  which  came  against  them,  or 
in  what  place  soever  they  lighted,  no  earthly  body  beinge 
able  to  resist  the  violence  of  so  heavy  a weight : so  that  all 
their  ranckes  were  marvelously  disordered.  And  as  for  the 
gallies  that  gave  assault  by  sea,  some  were  soncke  with  long 
peeces  of  timber  like  unto  the  yards  of  shippes,  whereto 
they  fasten  their  sailes,  which  were  sodainly  blowen  over  the 
walles  with  force  of  their  engines  into  their  gallies,  and  so 
soncke  them  by  their  overgreat  weight.  Other  being  hoysed 
up  by  the  prooes  with  handes  of  Iron,  and  hookes  made  like 
cranes  billes,  plonged  their  poupes  into  the  sea.  Other  being 
taken  up  with  certaine  engines  fastened  within,  one  contrary 
to  an  other,  made  them  turne  in  the  ayer  like  a whirlegigge, 
and  so  cast  them  apon  the  rockes  by  the  towne  walles,  and 
splitted  them  all  to  fitters,  to  the  great  spoyle  and  murder 
of  the  persons  that  were  within  them.  And  sometimes 
the  shippes  and  gallies  were  lift  cleane  out  of  the  water, 
that  it  was  a fearfull  thing  to  see  them  hang  and  turne 
in  the  ayer  as  they  did  : untill  that  casting  their  men 
within  them  over  the  hatches,  some  here,  some  there,  by 
this  terrible  turning,  they  came  in  the  end  to  be  empty, 
and  to  breake  against  the  walls,  or  else  to  fall  into  the  sea 
againe,  when  their  engines  left  their  hold.  Now  for  Mar- 
cellus  engine,  which  he  brought  against  the  walles,  uppon 
a bridge  made  of  gallies  joyned  together : that  was  called 

351 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


The  wonder- 
ful force  of 
Archimedes 
engines  at 
Marcellus 
siege  of 
Syracusa. 


MARCEL- 

LUS 

Marcellus 

Sambuca. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

Sambuca,  by  reason  of  the  facion  it  had  like  to  an  instrument 
of  musicke  of  the  same  name,  which  is  a harpe.  The  same 
being  yet  a good  prety  way  of  from  the  walls,  there  fell  a 
great  stone  apon  it  sent  from  the  walls,  weying  ten  talents. 
Then,  a seconde  after  that,  and  a third  one  after  that,  the 
which  falling  all  into  this  engine  with  such  a thunder  and 
terrible  tempest,  brake  the  fundacion  of  the  engine,  and  tare 
all  the  bridge  of  the  gallies  joyned  together  in  peeces,  that 
susteined  it.  So  that  Marcellus  being  amazed  with  all,  not 
knowing  well  what  it  ment : was  glad  to  retyre  quickely, 
and  sent  to  make  his  trompet  sound  the  retreate  to  those 
that  gave  assault  by  land.  Hereupon  they  sate  in  counsaille 
to  determine  what  was  to  be  done,  and  they  resolved,  that 
the  next  morninge  before  day  they  shoulde  approche  the 
walles  if  it  were  possible  : bicause  that  Archimedes  engines, 
which  were  very  strong  and  hard  wounde  up,  should  by  this 
meanes  sende  all  the  force  and  furie  of  their  stones  and  shot 
over  their  heades,  and  that  neere  hande  also  he  coulde  do  no 
good  with  them,  for  that  they  had  not  the  scope  of  their 
leavel  and  cariage  they  should  have.  But  Archimedes  had 
prevented  this  devise  by  long  preparation  before,  having 
made  provision  of  engines  for  farre  and  neere,  the  leavell 
and  cariage  whereof  was  proportioned  for  all  distances  : 
their  shot  shorte,  the  arrowes  not  very  long,  many  holes 
and  arches  in  the  walles  one  harde  by  an  other,  where 
there  were  store  of  crosbowes  to  kill  neere  hande,  sette 
in  such  places,  as  the  enemies  coulde  not  see  them  with- 
out. Wherefore,  when  the  Romaines  thought  to  approche, 
thinking  they  had  bene  safe  and  close,  that  no  man  saw 
them  : it  amazed  them  all  when  they  were  receaved  againe 
with  infinite  shot,  and  striken  to  the  ground  with  stones 
that  fell  apon  their  heades  like  leade  (for  there  was  no 
parte  of  all  the  walles,  from  whence  they  had  not  the 
like  shotte).  Whereupon  they  were  forced  againe  to 
retyre  from  the  walles.  And  yet  when  they  were  further 
of  from  them,  the  arrowes,  stones,  and  other  kinde  of 
shotte  that  flue  in  every  place  amonge  them,  killed  a great 
nomber  of  them,  scattered  farre  from  thence:  so  that 
many  of  them  were  slaine  and  sore  wounded,  and  diverse  of 
352 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


their  shippes  splitted,  and  they  not  once  able  to  be  revenged, 
nor  to  hurt  their  enemies,  bicause  Archimedes  had  placed 
his  engines  very  closely  behinde  the  walles,  and  not  apon 
the  walles  in  sight  of  the  enemy.  So  that  it  appeared  the 
goddes  fought  against  the  Romaines,  they  were  so  slaine  and 
wounded,  and  yet  they  coulde  not  tell  how,  nor  by  whom. 
Notwithstanding,  Marcellus  escaped  with  life,  safe  from 
hurt,  and  mocking  his  workemaisters  and  enginers,  he  had 
in  his  campe,  he  sayd  unto  them : What,  shall  we  not 
leave  to  make  warres  with  this  Briarian  enginer  and 
Geometrician  here  ? who  sitting  still  apon  the  wharfe,  in 
sporting  manner  hath  with  shame  overthrowen  our  navy, 
and  exceeded  all  the  fabulous  hundred  handes  of  the  Gyants, 
discharginge  at  one  instant  so  many  shot  among  us  ? For 
in  deede,  all  the  residue  of  the  Syracusans  were,  as  the  body 
and  members  of  Archimedes  preparacion  : and  he  him  selfe 
was  the  only  creature  that  moved  and  did  all,  all  weapons 
else  being  quiet,  and  his  engines  only  occupied,  to  assault 
and  defend.  At  the  length,  Marcellus  seeing  his  men  thus 
afeard,  as  if  they  did  but  see  the  ende  of  a rope,  or  any 
peece  of  timber  upon  the  walle,  they  ranne  away,  crying 
out,  that  Archimedes  was  letting  loose  some  of  his  engines 
apon  them : he  would  no  more  approche  the  walles,  nor 
geve  assault,  determininge  to  see  if  he  coulde  winne  it  by 
longe  siege.  Notwithstanding,  Archimedes  had  such  a 
great  minde,  and  was  so  profoundly  learned,  having  hidden 
in  him  the  onely  treasure  and  secrets  of  Geometricall  inven- 
tions : as  he  would  never  set  forth  any  booke  how  to  make 
all  these  warlicke  engynes,  which  wanne  him  at  that  time 
the  fame  and  glory,  not  of  mans  knowledge,  but  rather  of 
divine  wisedom.  But  he  esteminge  all  kinde  of  handy  craft 
and  invention  to  make  engines,  and  generally  all  maner  of 
sciences  bringing  common  commodity  by  the  use  of  them, 
to  be  but  vyle,  beggerly,  and  mercenary  drosse : employed 
his  witte  and  study  onely  to  write  thinges,  the  beawty  and 
subtiltie  whereof,  were  not  mingled  any  thinge  at  all  with 
necessitie.  For  all  that  he  hath  written,  are  geometricall 
proposicions,  which  are  without  comparison  of  any  other 
writings  whatsoever : bicause  the  subject  whereof  they 
2 : YY  353 


MARCEL 

LUS 


Marcellus 
wondred  at 
Archimedes 
engynes. 


Archimedes 
profowndely ; 
learned. 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Archimedes 

Siren. 


Archimedes 
demonstra- 
cion  of  the 
Cylinder. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

treate,  doeth  appeare  by  demonstracion,  the  matter  giving 
them  the  grace  and  the  greatnes,  and  the  demonstracion 
proving  it  so  exquisitely,  with  wonderfull  reason  and  facilitie, 
as  it  is  not  repugnable.  For  in  all  Geometry  are  not  to  be 
founde  more  profounde  and  difficulte  matters  wrytten,  in 
more  plaine  and  simple  tearmes,  and  by  more  easie  principles, 
then  those  which  he  hath  invented.  Now  some  do  impute 
this,  to  the  sharpnes  of  his  wit  and  understanding,  which 
was  a naturall  gift  in  him : other  do  referre  it  to  the  ex- 
treame  paines  he  tooke,  which  made  these  things  come  so 
easily  from  him,  that  they  seemed  as  if  they  had  bene  no 
trouble  to  him  at  all.  For  no  man  livinge  of  him  selfe  can 
devise  the  demonstracion  of  his  propositions,  what  paine 
soever  he  take  to  seeke  it : and  yet  straight  so  soone  as  he 
commeth  to  declare  and  open  it,  every  man  then  imagineth 
with  him  selfe  he  could  have  found  it  out  well  enough,  he 
can  then  so  plainly  make  demonstracion  of  the  thing  he 
meaneth  to  shew.  And  therfore  that  me  thinks  is  like 
enough  to  be  true,  which  they  write  of  him  : that  he  was 
so  ravished  and  dronke  with  the  swete  intysements  of  this 
Sirene,  which  as  it  were  lay  continually  with  him,  as  he  for- 
gate  his  meate  and  drinke,  and  was  careles  otherwise  of  him 
selfe,  that  oftentimes  his  servants  got  him  against  his  will 
to  the  bathes,  to  washe  and  annoynt  him  : and  yet  being 
there,  he  would  ever  be  drawing  out  of  the  Geometricall 
figures,  even  in  the  very  imbers  of  the  chimney.  And  while 
they  were  annointing  of  him  with  oyles  and  swete  savors, 
with  his  finger  he  did  draw  lines  apon  his  naked  body  : so 
farre  was  he  taken  from  himself,  and  brought  into  an  extasy 
or  traunse,  with  the  delite  he  had  in  the  study  of  Geometry, 
and  truely  ravished  with  the  love  of  the  Muses.  But 
amongst  many  notable  things  he  devised,  it  appeareth,  that 
he  most  estemed  the  demonstracion  of  the  proportion  betwene 
the  Cylinder  (to  wit,  the  round  colomne)  and  the  Sphaere  or 
globe  conteined  in  the  same : for  he  prayed  his  kinsemen 
and  frends,  that  after  his  death  they  would  put  a Cylinder 
apon  his  tombe,  conteining  a massie  Sphaere,  with  an  inscrip- 
tion of  the  proportion,  whcrof  the  continent  excedeth  the 
thing  conteined.  So  Archimedes  being  as  you  have  heard, 
354 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

did  asmuch  as  lay  in  him,  both  save  him  selfe  and  Syracusa  MARCEL- 

from  taking.  But  now  againe  to  Marcellus.  Marcellus  LUS 

during  the  siege  at  Syracusa,  wanne  the  city  of  Megares  Marcellus 

in  Sicile,  one  of  the  auncientest  cities  in  all  the  Ilande : victories  in 

and  he  tooke  besides,  the  campe  of  Hippocrates,  lying  by  Sicile. 

Aciles,  where  he  slue  above  eight  thousand  men,  surprising 

them  apon  the  sodaine,  even  as  they  were  preparing  to  lodge, 

and  to  fortifie  their  campe.  Then  he  overcame  a great  parte 

of  the  champion  contrie  of  Sicile,  and  made  the  cities  to 

rebel  that  tooke  the  Carthaginians  parte  : and  in  al  the 

battels  he  fought,  he  ever  overcame  them  that  durst  bid 

him  battell.  It  chaunced  afterwards,  that  he  tooke  a Lace-  Danippus  a 

daemonian  Captaine  prisoner,  called  Danippus  : even  as  he  Lacedae- 

came  out  of  Syracusa  by  sea.  The  Syracusans  desirous  to  monian  Cap- 

redeme  him,  sent  to  him  to  pray  he  might  be  ransommed.  en 

They  made  many  parlees  about  his  raunsome,  and  drew  out  ^ 

this  practise  to  diverse  meetings : until  Marcellus  had  taken 

good  markes  of  a certeine  tower,  that  had  no  great  watch 

kept  upon  it,  and  into  the  which  he  might  secretly  convey 

a certeine  number  of  men,  the  walle  of  the  city  in  that 

place  being  no  very  hard  thing  to  skale.  Therefore  when  he 

had  geven  a good  gesse  by  estimacion  at  the  height  of  that 

tower,  by  often  approching  to  it,  having  parled  many  a time 

hard  by  it : he  provided  skaling  ladders,  and  tooke  the 

oportunity  of  a feast  which  the  Syracusans  solemnised  in 

the  honor  of  Diana,  on  which  day  they  gave  them  selves  to 

al  feasting,  sporting,  and  playes.  So  he  tooke  not  only  the  Marcellus 

tower,  but  filled  all  the  walls  round  about  with  armed  men  winneth 

before  day,  and  brake  open  the  maine  gate  and  entry  of  the  Syracusa. 

citie  called  Hexapyle.  And  as  the  Syracusans  began  to 

stirre,  perceiving  the  Romaines  on  the  wals  : Marcellus  made 

his  men  sound  their  trompets  on  every  side.  Whereupon 

the  Syracusans  were  so  afraid  and  amazed,  that  they  beganne 

to  flie,  thinkinge  all  the  city  besides  had  bene  taken,  where 

in  deede  the  greatest  and  strongest  quarter  of  the  city 

called  Acradina,  was  not  yet  touched  : bicause  it  is  walled  Acradina. 

in  rounde  about,  and  separated  from  the  rest  of  the  citie, 

which  is  devided  into  two  other  partes,  the  one  called  the 

newe  citie,  and  the  other  fortune.  The  two  partes  whereof 

355 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Marcellus 

gentlenes. 


Rich  spoyles 
at  Syracusa. 


Archimedes 
mathemati- 
cian slaine 
in  his  study. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

beinge  wonne,  Marcellus  by  the  breake  of  the  daye  forced 
in  by  the  gate  or  entrie  of  the  Hexapyle.  And  when  his 
Captaynes  tolde  him  he  was  happie,  to  winne  so  goodly  a 
citie,  so  easely : they  say,  that  he  lookinge  about  him,  and 
consideringe  the  greatnesse  and  statelinesse  of  the  same,  he 
wept  for  verie  pitie,  foreseeinge  whereto  it  shoulde  come, 
thinking  with  him  selfe  what  a sodayne  chaunge  it  shoulde 
have,  when  his  armie  came  to  spoyle  and  sacke  the  same. 
For  there  was  not  a Captaine  that  durst  denie  the  souldiers 
when  they  demaunded  the  spoyle,  and  yet  were  there  many 
that  would  nedes  have  it  burnt  and  rased  to  the  ground. 
But  Marcellus  would  not  agree  to  that  in  any  case,  and 
besides,  it  was  sore  against  his  minde  to  graunt  them  the 
spoyle  of  the  goodes  and  slaves : straightly  commaunding 
them  notwithstanding,  not  to  lay  handes  of  any  free  man, 
and  not  to  kill,  hurt,  nor  to  make  any  Syracusan  slave. 
Wherein,  though  he  shewed  great  favor  and  mercy,  yet  it 
greved  him  to  see  so  famous  a citie,  brought  to  that  miser- 
able state  : and  in  the  middest  of  all  the  joy  he  had  for  his 
victorie,  he  could  not  refraine  from  weeping  for  pity  to  see 
so  rich  and  wealthie  a citie,  in  the  turning  of  a hand, 
spoyled,  and  brought  to  nought.  For  it  is  sayd,  that  the 
riches  and  goodes  taken  away  at  the  sacke  of  Syracusa,  were 
nothinge  inferior  to  the  spoyles  of  Carthage,  which  was  also 
sacked  not  longe  after  that : for  the  other  parte  of  the  city 
of  Syracusa  called  Acradina,  was  soone  after  also  taken  by 
treason,  and  spoyled  against  the  Captaines  willes,  savinge 
the  kinges  treasure,  which  was  reserved  to  be  caried  to  the 
common  treasure  of  Rome.  Syracusa  beinge  taken,  nothinge 
greved  Marcellus  more,  than  the  losse  of  Archimedes.  Who 
beinge  in  his  studie  when  the  citie  was  taken,  busily  seekinge 
out  by  him  selfe  the  demonstracion  of  some  Geometricall 
proposition  which  he  hadde  drawen  in  figure,  and  so  earnestly 
occupied  therein,  as  he  neither  sawe  nor  hearde  any  noyse  of 
enemies  that  ranne  uppe  and  downe  the  citie,  and  much 
lesse  knewe  it  was  taken : He  wondered  when  he  sawe  a 
souldier  by  him,  that  bad  him  go  with  him  to  Marcellus. 
Notwithstandinge,  he  spake  to  the  souldier,  and  bad  him 
tary  untill  he  had  done  his  conclusion,  and  brought  it  to 
356 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

demonstracion  : but  the  souldier  being  angry  with  his 
aunswer,  drew  out  his  sword,  and  killed  him.  Other  say, 
that  the  Romaine  souldier  when  he  came,  offered  the  swords 
poynt  to  him,  to  kill  him : and  that  Archimedes  when  he 
saw  him,  prayed  him  to  hold  his  hand  a litle,  that  he  might 
not  leave  the  matter  he  looked  for  unperfect,  without  demon- 
stracion. But  the  souldier  makinge  no  reckening  of  his 
speculation,  killed  him  presently.  It  is  reported  a third 
way  also,  sayinge,  that  certeine  souldiers  met  him  in  the 
streetes  going  to  Marcellus,  carying  certeine  Mathematicall 
instrumentes  in  a litle  pretie  coffer,  as  dialles  for  the  sunne, 
Sphaeres  and  Angles,  wherewith  they  measure  the  greatnesse 
of  the  body  of  the  sunne  by  viewe  : and  they  supposing  he 
hadde  caried  some  golde  or  silver,  or  other  pretious  Iuells  in 
that  litle  coffer,  slue  him  for  it.  But  it  is  most  true,  that 
Marcellus  was  marvelous  sorie  for  his  death,  and  ever  after 
hated  the  villen  that  slue  him,  as  a cursed  and  execrable 
persone  : and  howe  he  made  also  marvelous  much  afterwards 
of  Archimedes  kinsemen  for  his  sake.  The  Romaines  were 
estemed  of  at  that  time  by  all  nations,  for  marvelous  expert 
souldiers,  and  taken  for  verie  vallyant  and  daungerous  men 
to  be  dealt  with  : but  they  never  shewed  any  example  of 
their  clemencie  and  curtesie,  and  least  of  all  of  any  civill 
manner  to  any  straungers,  untill  Marcellus  taught  the  way, 
whose  actes  did  shewe  the  Greecians  then,  that  the  Romaines 
were  more  gratious  and  mercifull,  then  they.  For  he  did 
so  curteouslie  intreate  those  that  hadde  to  do  with  him, 
and  shewed  such  favour  to  private  persones,  and  also  to 
whole  citties : that  if  there  were  any  crueltie  shewed  in  the 
citties  of  Enna,  or  at  Megares,  or  against  the  Syracusans,  it 
was  rather  through  their  owne  fault  and  follie  that  were 
hurt,  then  theirs  that  didde  them  the  hurte.  And  for  profe 
hereof,  I will  recite  you  one  example  onely  amongest  many. 
There  is  a citie  in  Sicile  called  Engyium,  it  is  no  great 
thinge,  but  a verie  auncient  citie  of  name,  by  reason  of  the 
trafficke  thither,  for  that  there  are  certeine  goddesses  to  be 
seene,  whome  they  worship,  called  the  mothers.  Some  say 
the  Cretans  were  the  first  builders  and  founders  of  the  temple 
there,  where  you  shall  see  speares  and  helmets  of  copper,  and 

357 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Divers 
opinions  of 
Archimedes 
death. 


Marcellus 

clemency. 


Engyium  a 
city  in  Sicile. 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Nicias  craft. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

apon  them  are  graven  the  name  of  Meriones : and  apon 
others,  Ulysses  name  also,  which  are  consecrated  to  these 
goddesses.  This  citie  stoode  altogether  at  the  devotion  of 
the  Carthaginians  : and  Nicias  beinge  the  chiefest  man  of  the 
same,  was  all  he  might  against  it,  and  perswaded  them 
openlie  in  all  their  counsailles  to  take  parte  with  the 
Romaines,  provinge  it  by  many  reasons,  that  his  enemies 
counsaylinge  the  contrarie,  were  unprofitable  members  of 
the  common  wealth.  Whereuppon  Nicias  enemies  fearinge 
his  greatnesse  and  authoritie,  they  did  conspyre  amonge 
them  selves  to  apprehende  him,  and  to  deliver  him  to  the 
Carthaginians.  But  Nicias  hearinge  of  suche  a matter,  and 
findinge  that  they  laye  in  wayte  to  take  him : used  this 
pollicie  to  prevent  their  treason.  He  gave  out  openlie  very 
ill  speeches  against  the  goddesses,  and  did  many  things  in 
derogation  of  their  honor : and  sayd  the  sight  of  them  (which 
was  a matter  of  great  credit)  was  but  devise,  and  that  there 
was  no  credit  to  be  geven  to  them.  These  words  tickled 
his  enemies,  imagining  that  the  common  people  would  lay 
the  mischiefe  they  pretended  against  him,  to  him  selfe,  as 
the  only  causer  of  his  owne  hurt.  So  they  havinge  appointed 
a day  to  apprehende  him,  by  chaunce  a common  counsaill 
was  kept  that  day  they  hadde  determined  of:  where  Nicias 
speaking  to  the  people  about  matter  of  counsaill,  in  the 
middest  of  his  oration  fell  to  the  grounde,  to  the  great 
wonder  of  the  whole  assembly,  as  every  man  may  conjecture. 
Howbeit  never  a man  sturred,  and  a prety  while  after  he 
beganne  to  lift  uppe  his  head  a litle,  and  to  looke  gastely 
about  him,  with  a faint  trembling  voyce,  which  he  still 
gathered  higher  and  lowder  by  litle  and  litle,  untill  he  sawe 
all  the  people  wonderously  afrayed  and  amazed,  that  not  one 
of  them  durst  speake.  Then  throwing  his  gowne  from  him, 
and  renting  his  coate,  he  got  upon  his  feete  halfe  naked, 
and  ranne  towardes  the  gate  of  the  Theater,  cryinge  out 
that  the  goddesses  mothers  did  torment  him  : and  not  a man 
durst  once  come  neere  him,  nor  offer  to  stoppe  him,  they 
were  so  supersticious  and  foolishly  afrayed  of  the  goddesses, 
imagining  it  was  some  divine  punishment.  But  by  this 
meanes  he  easily  got  to  the  gates  of  the  city,  and  fled  from 
358 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

them  all : and  he  was  never  seene  after  that  time,  to  do,  or 
speake,  like  a madde  man  in  any  thing.  His  wife  that  was 
made  privy  to  his  devise,  and  furthered  his  intent,  went  first 
and  fell  downe  on  her  knees  before  the  goddesses  mothers  in 
their  temple,  as  she  had  hartily  prayed  unto  them : and 
faining  afterwards  she  would  go  seeke  her  husbande,  that 
ranne  up  and  downe  the  fieldes  like  a madde  man,  she  went 
out  of  the  city  with  her  litle  children,  and  no  body  troubled 
her.  Thus  did  they  escape  without  daunger,  and  went  unto 
Marcellus  to  Syracusa.  The  Engienians  afterwards  played 
such  insolent  partes,  that  Marcellus  in  the  ende  went  thither, 
and  caused  them  all  to  be  taken  and  bounde,  as  though  he 
woulde  have  put  them  to  execution.  But  Nicias  came  to 
him  with  the  teares  in  his  eyes,  and  embracing  his  knees, 
and  kissinge  his  handes,  besought  him  to  take  pitie  of  his 
poore  citizens,  beginning  first  with  those  that  were  his 
greatest  enemies.  This  good  nature  of  Nicias  so  pacified 
Marcellus  wrath,  that  he  pardoned  them  all,  and  did  no 
hurt  to  the  city,  and  gave  Nicias  certeine  land,  besides  many 
other  rich  giftes  he  bestowed  apon  him.  Thus  it  is  reported 
in  the  history  of  Posidonius  the  Philosopher.  Now  Marcellus 
being  sent  for  home  by  the  Romanes,  bicause  they  had 
warres  in  their  owne  contrie,  and  even  at  Rome  gates : he 
departed  out  of  Sicile,  returning  towardes  Rome,  and  caried 
the  goodliest  tables,  pictures,  and  statues,  and  other  such 
ornamentes  as  were  in  Syracusa,  meaning  first  to  beautifie 
his  triumphe  with  them,  and  to  leave  them  afterwardes  for 
an  ornament  to  Rome,  which  before  that  time  never  knewe 
what  such  curious  workes  ment.  For,  this  finenes,  and 
curious  tables  and  imagery,  never  came  into  Rome  before, 
but  was  throughly  set  out  with  armor  and  weapons  of  bar- 
barous people,  and  with  bloody  spoyles,  and  was  also  crowned 
with  monumentes  of  victories  and  triumphes  of  diverse 
enemies,  which  were  no  pleasaunt,  but  rather  fearefull  sightes 
to  looke  apon,  farre  unfitte  for  feminine  eyes.  But  even  as 
Epaminondas  did  call  the  plaine  of  Boeotia,  Mars  scaffolde, 
where  he  kept  his  games : and  Xenophon  also  called  the 
city  of  Ephesus,  the  armorers  shoppe : even  so  me  thinkes 
(as  Pindarus  said)  they  might  rightly  have  tearmed  Rome, 

359 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Marcellus 
the  first  that 
brought  in 
finenes  and 
curious  tables 
and  pictures 
into  Rome,  of 
the  spoyles  of 
Syracusa. 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Marcellus 
entreth  into 
Rome  with 
Ovation 
triumphe. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

the  temple  of  Mars  fighting.  And  this  wanne  the  peoples 
good  willes  much  more  to  Marcellus,  bicause  he  did  so 
passingly  set  foorth  Rome,  with  such  excellent  fine  toyes  of 
Greece.  But  Fabius  Maximus  on  the  other  side,  was  better 
beloved  of  the  old  men : bicause  he  brought  no  such  toyes 
with  him  from  the  city  of  Tarentum,  when  he  wanne  it.  In 
deede  he  brought  away  golde  and  ready  coyne,  and  much 
other  goodes  that  were  profitable  : but  for  images  and  tables, 
he  left  them  standing  in  their  places,  speaking  a thing  of 
great  note.  Let  us  leave  the  Tarentines  their  goddes 
offended  with  them.  And  furthermore  the  noble  men  were 
angry  with  Marcellus,  saying,  that  by  this  act  he  had  pur- 
chased Rome  great  malice  and  hate.  First,  bicause  he  did 
not  onely  leade  men  prisoners  in  his  triumphe,  but  the  gods 
also  : and  secondly,  bicause  he  had  filled  the  people  full  of 
pritle  pratle,  and  idle  curiosity,  spending  all  the  whole  day 
in  gasinge,  and  wondering  at  the  excellency  of  the  worke- 
men,  and  of  their  workes,  where  before  they  woulde  fall  to 
their  labor,  or  else  they  went  to  the  warres,  not  being 
acquainted  with  curiosity,  nor  idle  life  as  Euripides  sayd, 
speaking  of  Hercules : 

In  wicked  practises,  he  simple  was  to  see, 

but  he  excelld  in  vertuous  dedes,  and  feates  that  worthy  be. 

Notwithstandinge,  Marcellus  did  glory  amongest  the 
Greecians  them  selves,  sayinge : that  he  had  taught  the 
Romaines  to  esteeme  the  wonderfull  workes  of  Greece,  which 
they  knewe  not  before.  But  at  his  returne  out  of  Sicile, 
his  enemies  procured,  that  his  honor  of  triumphe  was  denied 
him.  So  Marcellus  knowing  that  he  had  yet  left  somewhat 
to  do  in  Sicile,  and  that  the  warre  was  not  altogether 
ended,  and  fearing  besides  least  a third  triumphe  would 
make  him  to  much  envied : he  was  contented  with  good  will 
to  have  the  honor  of  the  great  triumphe,  in  the  mountaine 
of  Alba  only : and  of  the  litle  triumphe,  in  the  city  of 
Rome.  This  maner  of  litle  triumphe  is  called  in  Greeke, 
Evan , and  the  Romaines  call  it  Ovatio.  And  this  difference 
there  is  betwene  them  : that  in  the  Ovation  triumphe,  the 
party  to  whom  it  is  graunted,  doth  not  enter  into  the  city 
360 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


apon  triumphing  charet  drawen  with  f'oure  horses,  nor  doth 
cary  any  lawrell  apon  his  head  in  token  of  triumphe,  nor 
hath  any  trompettes  or  homes  bio  wen  before  him,  but  doth 
marche  a foote  with  a payer  of  slippers  on  his  fete,  having 
flutes  and  howboyes  playing  before  him,  and  wearing  a gar- 
lande  of  fyrre  tree  apon  his  heade  : so  as  this  maner  of  entry 
is  nothing  warlike,  and  is  rather  a pleasaunt  then  fearefull 
sight.  And  that  reason  doth  flatly  drawe  me  to  beleve,  that 
these  two  kindes  of  entries  they  graunted  to  the  Captaines, 
returning  from  the  warres  with  victorie:  were  devided  in 
the  olde  time,  rather  for  the  maner,  then  for  the  greatnes 
of  the  doings.  For  such  as  had  overcomen  their  enemies  by 
great  slaughter  and  bloody  battells,  they  did  make  their 
entry  with  pompe  of  triumphe,  that  was  altogether  marshall 
and  terrible,  followed  with  their  souldiers  armed,  and  crowned 
with  lawrell  garlandes,  as  their  custome  was  in  musteringe 
their  campe  in  the  warres.  But  they  on  the  contrary  side, 
that  without  any  exployte  of  armes  returned  home  with 
victorie,  either  by  peaceable  meanes,  or  by  force  of  their 
eloquence : the  law  graunted  them  the  honor  of  Ovation 
triumphe, which  was  quiet,  and  full  of  all  joy  and  mirth. 
For  the  flute  is  an  instrument  of  pleasure  belonginge  to 
peace,  and  the  fyrre  tree  is  a tree  consecrated  to  Venus, 
which  goddesse,  above  all  goddes  and  goddesses  doth  most 
detest  warres.  This  second  kinde  of  entry  was  called  Ovatio , 
not  as  many  Greecians  have  taken  it,  comming  of  this  word 
Evan , which  is  a voyce  and  song  of  joy,  although  they  did 
use  also  to  accompanie  the  Captaines  making  their  entry  in 
this  sorte,  crying  and  singing  Evan  : but  there  were  certeine 
Greecians  that  would  have  fetched  the  derivation  of  this 
word,  from  an  old  common  custome  they  had : and  were  of 
opinion  besides,  that  parte  of  this  honor  did  apperteine  to 
god  Bacchus,  whose  surname  we  cal  Evius,  and  somtimes 
Thriambus.  Howbeit  this  is  not  the  true  derivation  of  the 
name,  but  after  this  sorte.  At  the  great  triumphe  and 
entry  made,  the  Captaine  or  generall  that  triumph eth  as  a 
conqueror,  did  offer  and  sacrifice  (by  the  old  orders  and 
ancient  customes  of  Rome)  one,  or  divers  oxen : where  at 
the  seconde  triumphe  called  the  Ovation,  he  onely  sacrificed 
2 : ZZ  361 


MARCEL- 

LUS 

What  the 
Ovation 
triumphe  is. 


Ovation 
whereof  it 
is  called. 


The  sacrifice 
of  the  quiet 
triumphe. 


MARCEL- 

LUS 

The  sacrifices 
of  the  litle 
triumphe 
Ovation. 

The  differ- 
ence betwixt 
the  Spartans 
and  Romaines 
in  their  sacri- 
fices for  vic- 
torie. 


The  Syracus- 
ans accuse 
Marcellus. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

a mutton,  which  the  Romaines  call  in  their  tongue  Ovem , 
and  thereof  was  it  called  Ovation.  And  here  by  the  way  is 
to  be  noted,  the  difference  betwixt  the  lawe  maker  of  the 
Romaine  lawes  and  customes,  and  the  law  maker  of  the 
Lacedaemonians : how  both  of  them  were  contrary  to  the 
other,  in  appointinge  their  sacrifices  for  victorie.  For  at 
Sparta,  the  Captaine  or  generall  that  had  done  his  feate  by 
policy  or  frendshippe,  the  sacrifice  he  did  offer  uppe  to  the 
goddes,  was  an  oxe  : and  he  that  by  force,  and  bloody  battell 
had  obtained  victory,  only  offred  up  a cocke  for  sacrifice. 
For  though  they  were  very  good  souldiers,  yet  they  thought 
better  of  his  service,  that  by  his  wisedom  and  wise  perswasions 
obteined  victory : then  of  his,  that  wanne  it  by  valliantnes, 
and  force  of  armes.  Thus  may  you  see  which  of  these  two 
lawemakers  hadde  best  reason  in  his  ordinaunces.  But  no  we 
to  Marcellus  againe.  He  beinge  chosen  Consull  the  fourth 
time,  his  enemies  and  evill  willers  did  stirre  uppe  the  Syra- 
cusans against  him,  and  perswaded  them  to  complayne  to  the 
Senate  of  him,  that  he  had  cruelly,  and  uncurteously  used 
them,  contrary  to  the  auncient  league  and  allyances  made 
long  time  before  with  the  Romaines.  Marcellus  beinge 
sacrificinge  one  day  in  the  Capitoll,  while  the  Senate  were 
sette  in  counsaill : the  Syracusans  deputies  came  before  them, 
and  kneeling  downe,  besought  them  to  give  them  audience, 
and  that  they  would  do  them  justice.  The  other  Consull 
that  was  present  rebuked  them,  being  angry  they  had  so 
maliciously  spyed  the  occasion  of  Marcellus  absence.  But 
when  Marcellus  hearde  of  it,  he  straight  left  of  all,  and  came 
to  the  Senate,  and  first  satte  him  downe  in  his  Consulls 
chayer,  where  he  gave  audience  as  Consull,  and  dispatched 
diverse  causes : when  he  had  done  so,  he  rose  out  of  his 
chayer,  and  came  downe  among  them,  standinge  as  a private 
persone  to  aunswere  at  the  barre,  as  other  offenders  and  men 
accused,  suffering  the  Syracusans  to  alleadge  and  say  against 
him  what  they  would.  Then  were  the  Syracusans  blancke, 
when  they  saw  the  majesty  of  Marcellus,  and  his  stayed 
countenance  in  all  thinges  : so  that  having  founde  him  before 
a very  valliant  man  in  warres  and  unconquerable,  they  found 
him  then  a man  no  lesse  dreadful  in  his  Consuls  robe : that 
362 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


they  hong  downe  their  eyes,  and  durst  not  looke  him  in  the 
face.  Notwithstanding,  they  being  suborned  by  his  enemies, 
beganne  at  the  length  boldely  to  accuse  him,  and  yet  with 
sorow  and  lamentacion,  the  effect  whereof  was  this.  That 
they  beinge  the  Romaines  frendes  and  confederates,  had 
abidden  such  injuries  at  Marcellus  handes,  as  all  other 
generalles  never  offred  their  very  enemies.  Whereto  Mar- 
cellus straight  aunswered  againe  to  the  contrary.  That  for 
many  injuries  the  Romaines  had  received  of  them,  they 
suffred  nothing  but  that,  which  was  unpossible  they  should 
not  suffer,  that  resisted  untill  they  were  taken  by  force  : and 
yet  they  might  thanke  them  selves  for  any  thing  they  suffered, 
bicause  they  would  not  obey  nor  consent,  to  reasonable  capitu- 
lacions  and  articles  of  peace,  which  he  had  oftentimes  offered 
them.  And  againe,  they  could  not  alleage  for  their  excuse, 
that  the  tyrans  had  compelled  them  to  make  warres : when 
they  to  the  contrary,  bicause  they  would  enter  into  warres, 
were  contented  to  be  subject  to  a tyran.  So,  when  both 
parties  hadde  spoken  their  mindes,  the  Syracusans  (as  the 
maner  is)  went  out  of  the  Senate  house,  and  Marcellus  also, 
leavinge  his  fellowe  Consull  in  his  place  in  the  Senate,  and 
taried  without  the  dore,  attending  the  sentence  of  the  Senate, 
never  altering  his  countenaunce  nor  wonted  looke,  neither 
for  feare  of  sentence,  nor  for  malice  or  anger  against  the 
Syracusans,  quietly  looking  for  his  judgement.  Afterwards 
when  the  Senators  voyces  were  gathered  together,  and  that 
Marcellus  was  cleared  by  the  most  voyces : then  the  Syra- 
cusans fell  downe  at  his  feete  weeping,  and  besought  him 
not  to  wreake  his  anger  apon  them  that  were  present,  and 
moreover  that  he  would  have  compassion  of  the  residue  of 
the  citizens,  who  did  acknowledge  his  great  grace  and  favor 
extended  to  them,  and  confessed  them  selves  bound  to  him 
for  ever.  Marcellus  moved  with  pity  by  their  intreaty,  he 
pardoned  them,  and  ever  after  did  all  the  Syracusans  what 
pleasure  he  coulde  possible.  For  through  his  intreaty  and 
request,  the  Senate  did  confirme  and  ratifie  his  graunt  unto 
them,  which  was  : that  they  might  use  the  liberty  and 
benefit  of  their  owne  lawes,  and  quietly  enjoy  their  goodes 
also  which  were  left  them.  To  requite  this  special  grace 


363 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Marcellus 
being- Consull, 
aunswered 
the  Syracus- 
ans accusa- 
tions as  a 
private  man. 


Marcellus 

constancy. 


Marcellus 
curtesie  to 
the  Syracus- 
ans. 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Marcellus 
actes  against 
Hanniball  in 
his  fourth 
Consullship. 


CneusFulvius 
viceconsull 
slaine  in 
Apulia  by 
Hannibail. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

procured  them  by  Marcellus,  the  Syracusans  gave  him  many 
honors,  and  among  others  they  made  a law,  that  ever  after, 
as  oft  as  any  of  Marcellus  name  or  house  came  into  Sicile, 
the  Syracusans  should  kepe  a solemne  feast,  with  garlands 
on  their  heades,  and  should  also  sacrifice  unto  the  goddes. 
After  this,  Marcellus  went  against  Hanniball.  And  where 
all  the  other  Consuls  almost,  and  generalles,  after  the  over- 
throw at  Cannes,  had  used  this  only  policie  with  him,  not  to 
come  to  battell : he  tooke  a contrarie  course  to  them  all, 
thinkinge  that  tract  of  time,  (whereby  they  thought  to  eate 
out  Hannibals  force)  was  rather  a direct  consuming  and  de- 
stroying of  all  Italie : and  that  Fabius  Maximus  standinge 
to  much  upon  safety,  tooke  not  the  way  to  cure  the  disease 
and  weakenes  of  the  common  weale  of  Rome,  looking  to  ende 
this  warre,  consuming  by  litle  and  litle  the  strength  and 
power  of  Rome,  committing  a fearefull  phisitions  fault  and 
error,  being  afraid  to  heale  their  pacient  sodainly,  imagining 
that  to  bring  them  low,  doth  lessen  the  disease.  So,  first 
of  all  he  went  to  besiege  certeine  great  cities  of  the  Samnites, 
which  were  revolted  from  obedience  of  the  Romaines : and 
those  he  wanne  againe  with  a great  provision  of  corne  and 
money  he  founde  in  them,  besides  three  thousande  souldiers 
Hanniball  left  in  garrison  there,  whome  he  tooke  prisoners. 
Hanniball  after  that,  havinge  slaine  the  viceconsul  Cneus 
Fulvius  in  Apulia,  with  eleven  Tribunis  militum  (to  wit, 
Colonels,  every  one  havinge  charge  of  a thousande  footemen) 
and  overthrowen  the  greatest  parte  of  his  armie  : Marcellus 
wrote  letters  to  Rome,  hoping  to  comforte  the  Senate  and 
people,  telling  he  would  go  thither,  and  did  warrant  them 
he  woulde  drive  Hanniball  out  of  Apulia.  When  the 
Romaines  had  red  his  letters,  they  were  nothing  the  more 
comforted,  but  rather  (as  Livie  writeth)  more  afraid  and 
discouraged : bi cause  they  doubted  the  daunger  to  come 
woulde  be  greater,  then  the  losse  past,  takinge  Marcellus 
to  be  a far  re  greater  and  better  generall,  then  ever  was 
Fulvius.  Neverthelesse,  Marcellus  performing  the  con- 
tentes  of  his  letters  wrytten  to  Rome,  drave  Hanniball  out 
of  Apulia,  and  made  him  retyre  into  Lucania.  And  Marcellus 
finding  him  in  that  contry,  by  a city  called  Numistron,  lodged 
364 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

apon  hilles,  and  in  places  of  strength  and  advantage  : he  MARCEL- 
camped  hard  by  him  in  the  valley,  and  the  next  morninge  BUS 
he  was  the  first  that  presented  his  enemy  battell.  Hanniball  Marcellus 
on  the  other  side,  came  downe  into  the  valley,  and  they  fought  a 
joyned  battell:  which  was  so  cruelly  fought,  and  so  long  jj^niball  at 
time,  as  it  coulde  not  be  discerned  who  had  the  better.  For  Numistron 
the  battell  being  begonne  at  nine  of  the  clocke  in  the  morn-  in  Apulia, 
ing,  it  was  darke  night  ere  they  gave  over.  The  next 
morning  by  pepe  of  day,  Marcellus  set  his  men  againe  in 
battell  raye,  in  the  middest  of  all  the  dead  bodies  that  lay 
slaine  in  the  fielde,  and  chalenged  Hanniball,  to  prove  who 
should  have  the  field.  But  Hanniball  refused,  and  marched 
his  way  thence : so  as  Marcellus  thereby  had  good  leasure 
left  him  to  strippe  his  slaine  enemies,  and  also  to  bury  his 
owne  souldiers.  When  he  had  finished  that,  he  presently 
followed  his  enemie  by  the  foote,  who  layed  many  ambushes 
for  him,  but  he  coulde  never  trappe  him  in  any  : and  in  every 
encounter  or  skirmishe  they  had  together,  Marcellus  hadde 
ever  the  better,  which  wanne  him  great  fame  and  credit. 

Nowe  time  beinge  commen  about  to  choose  newe  Consults, 

the  Senate  thought  good  to  sende  rather  for  the  other 

Consul  that  was  in  Sicile,  then  to  remove  Marcellus  thence, 

who  had  fought  with  Hanniball.  So  when  the  other  Con- 

sull  was  come  to  Rome,  the  Senate  commaunded  him  to 

name  Quintus  Fulvius  Dictator,  bicause  the  Dictator  was  The  Dictator 

neither  chosen  by  the  people,  nor  by  the  Senate : but  one  chosen  by  the 

of  the  Consuls  or  Praetors,  in  open  assembly  of  the  people, 

nameth  such  a one  Dictator,  as  he  liketh  of.  Wherefore  it  the  people 

seemeth,  that  this  word  Dictator,  came  apon  that  word  nor  Senate. 

naming : for,  Dicere  in  the  Romaine  tongue,  signifieth  to  Whereof  Dic- 

name.  Howebeit  other  holde  opinion,  that  he  was  called  tator  com- 

Dictator,  bicause  he  commaundeth  of  him  selfe  what  he  will,  meth. 

without  the  counsell  of  the  Senate,  and  the  voyces  of  the 

people:  and  this  seemeth  to  be  true,  bicause  the  commaunde- 

ments  of  the  Senate  of  Rome  are  called  Edicta , which  we 

Greecians  call  Diatagmata.  Now  the  other  Consull  and 

companion  of  Marcellus  being  come  out  of  Sicile,  he  would 

nedes  name  an  other  Dictator,  then  him  whom  the  Senate 

offred  him : and  bicause  he  would  not  be  compelled  to  do 

365 


MARCEL- 

LUS 

Quintus  Ful- 
vius  chosen 
Dictator,  by 
the  people. 

Marcellus 

Proconsull. 


Hannibals 
oration  to  his 
souldiers. 


Marcellus 

stratageame. 


Marcellus 
overcome  in 
battell  by 
Hanniball. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

that  he  was  unwilling  to  do,  he  stale  away  one  night,  and 
returned  againe  into  Sicile.  Hereupon  the  people  did  name 
and  appoint  Quintus  Fulvius  Dictator,  and  the  Senate  wrote 
their  letters  to  Marcellus,  to  confirme  him  : which  Marcellus 
did,  and  authorised  the  peoples  election.  So  he  him  selfe 
was  chosen  againe  Proconsul,  for  the  next  yeare  following : 
in  the  which  he  having  conferred  with  Fabius  Maximus 
about  the  warres,  they  were  agreed,  that  Fabius  should 
prove  if  he  could  winne  the  city  of  Tarentum  againe : and 
that  Marcellus  in  the  meane  time  shoulde  keepe  Hannibal 
occupied,  that  he  might  not  come  to  aide  it.  This  resolu- 
tion being  taken  betwene  them,  Marcellus  went  to  meete 
Hannibal  by  the  city  of  Cannusium  : who  as  he  still  chaunged 
and  shifted  lodginge,  bicause  he  woulde  not  come  to  the 
battell  against  his  will,  found  Marcellus  ever  in  his  eye 
before  him.  Insomuch  as  Hannibal  removinge  thus  his 
campe,  Marcellus  plyed  him  so  one  day  with  continuall 
alaroms  and  skirmishes,  that  he  brought  him  to  a battell 
that  held  all  day  long  till  night,  and  compelled  them  both 
to  leave  of  til  the  next  morning : where  Marcellus  shewed 
againe  in  field  by  breake  of  the  day,  in  battell  ray.  Whereat 
Hannibal  being  in  a marvelous  rage,  he  called  his  souldiers 
together,  and  made  an  oration  to  them,  earnestly  movinge 
them  once  againe  to  fight  with  Marcellus,  if  ever  they  had 
heretofore  fought  for  his  sake.  You  see,  sayd  he,  that  having 
fought  so  many  battells,  and  gotten  such  victories  as  we 
have  done,  we  can  not  yet  take  breath  as  we  would,  nor  be 
in  quiet,  how  much  soever  we  winne,  if  we  drive  not  away 
yonder  fellow  Marcellus.  When  Hannibal  had  ended  his 
oration  to  the  Carthaginians,  he  led  them  on  to  the  battell : 
where  Marcellus,  to  no  purpose,  and  out  of  time,  would  nedes 
shew  Hanniball  a stratageame  of  warre,  that  turned  him  selfe 
to  the  worst.  For  Marcellus  perceiving  the  right  wing  of 
his  army  distressed,  made  one  of  his  legyons  that  was  set  in 
ray  in  the  rereward  of  his  hoste,  to  marche  to  the  fronte  of 
his  battell,  to  helpe  those  that  needed  ayde.  But  this  re- 
moving of  the  legyon,  troubled  them  that  fought,  and  gave 
the  enemies  the  victorie : who  slue  that  day  two  thousand 
seven  hundred  of  the  Romaines.  So,  when  Marcellus  was 
366 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

come  againe  into  his  campe,  he  straight  called  his  souldiers  MARCEL- 
before  him,  to  whome  he  spake  in  this  maner  : that  he  saw  LUS 
a great  deale  of  armor,  and  bodies  of  men,  but  he  coulde  see  Marcellus 
no  Ptomaines.  The  Ptomaines  hearing  him  say  so,  besought  *iar(*  wyrdes 
him  to  pardon  the  fault  they  had  committed.  Marcellus  1S  sou  " 

aunswered,  he  woulde  never  pardon  them,  so  long  as  they 
were  overcome  : but  when  they  overcame  againe,  he  was 
content  to  remit  all.  So  the  next  morning  he  agreed  to 
bringe  them  againe  to  fight  with  the  enemy,  that  such  as 
were  at  Rome  should  rather  heare  newes  of  their  victorie, 
then  of  their  running  away.  When  he  had  sayed,  he  ap- 
pointed they  shoulde  geve  those  bandes  that  first  turned 
their  backes  to  Planniball,  barley  for  wheate.  So,  as  there 
were  many  of  them  in  great  daunger  of  their  lives,  for  the 
sore  woundes  they  hadde  geven  them  in  the  battell : yet  was 
there  not  a man  of  them,  but  Marcellus  words  did  more 
greve  them,  then  the  grevous  woundes  they  had.  The  next 
morning  betimes  was  set  out  of  the  generalles  tent,  the  coate 
armor  died  in  skarlet,  which  is  the  ordinary  signe  of  battell : 
and  the  bandes  that  had  received  dishonor  the  day  before, 
were  placed  at  their  owne  request  in  the  fronte  of  the  battell. 

The  other  Captaines  besides,  that  were  not  overthrowen : 
did  leade  their  bandes  also  to  the  fielde,  and  did  set  them 
in  battell  raye.  Planniball  hearing  of  that,  cried  out : O Hannibals 
gods,  what  a man  is  this,  that  can  not  be  quiet,  neither  wordes  of 
with  good  nor  ill  fortune  ? for  he  is  the  only  odde  man,  that  Marcellus. 
never  giveth  rest  to  his  enemy,  when  he  hath  overcommed 
him  : nor  taketh  any  for  him  selfe,  when  he  is  overcome. 

We  shal  never  have  done  with  him,  for  any  thing  that  P see  : 
sith  shame,  whether  he  winne  or  loose,  doth  still  provoke 
him  to  be  bolder  and  vallianter.  After  orations  made  of 
bothe  sides,  bothe  armies  marched  forwardes  to  joyne  battell.  Battell  be- 
The  Romaines  being  as  strong  as  the  Carthaginians,  PPanni-  twixt  Hanni- 
ball  put  his  Elephants  in  the  voward  and  fronte  of  his  ^ar 

battell,  and  commaunded  his  men  to  drive  them  apon  the 
Romaines  : and  so  they  did.  Which  in  deede  did  somewhat  ^ worth 
trouble  and  disorder  the  first  ranckes  of  the  Romaines  : untill  act^>fFlavms 
such  time  as  Flavius,  Tribune  of  the  souldiers,  tooke  an  Tribunus  mili- 
ensigne  in  his  hande,  and  marched  before  the  beastes,  and  turn . 

367 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Marcellus 
victory  of 
Hanniball. 


Hanniball  lay 
in  garrison  in 
the  city  of 
Sinuesse  in 
Campania. 


P.  Bibulus 
Tribune  of 
the  people 
accuseth 
Marcellus. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

gave  the  first  of  them  such  a thrust  with  the  poynt  of  his 
ensigne,  that  he  made  her  turne  backe.  The  first  beast  being 
turned  backe  thus,  ranne  apon  the  seconde  that  followed  her, 
and  the  second  made  the  third  go  backe  also,  and  so  from 
one  to  an  other,  untill  they  all  turned.  Marcellus  perceiving 
that,  commaunded  his  horsemen  to  set  apon  the  enemies 
with  all  the  fury  they  coulde,  in  that  place  where  he  sawe 
them,  somewhat  troubled  with  these  beastes,  that  turned 
backe  againe  upon  them : and  that  they  should  drive  them 
further  in  amongest  them.  Which  they  did,  and  gave  so 
hotte  a charge  apon  the  Carthaginians,  that  they  made  them 
turne  their  backes,  and  runne  away,  and  they  pursued  them 
still,  killing  them  downe  right,  even  to  their  campe  side  : 
where  was  the  greatest  slaughter  of  all,  by  reason  their 
Elephants  that  were  wounded,  fell  downe  starke  deade  within 
the  gate  of  their  campe.  And  they  saye  of  the  Carthaginians 
there  were  slaine  at  this  battell,  above  eight  thowsande,  and 
of  the  Romaines,  onely  three  thowsande : howbeit  all  the 
rest  of  them  for  the  most  parte  were  very  sore  hurt.  Which 
fell  out  very  well  for  Hanniball,  that  he  might  march  away 
at  his  pleasure,  as  he  did  that  night,  and  got  him  away  farre 
of  from  Marcellus,  as  knowing  he  was  not  in  state  to  follow 
him  oversodainely,  bicause  of  his  great  number  of  hurt  men 
in  his  campe  : and  so  by  small  jorneys  he  went  into  Campania, 
where  he  lay  in  garrison  all  the  sommer,  in  the  city  of 
Sinuesse,  to  heale  the  woundes  of  his  sore  mangled  souldiers. 
Hanniball  having  now  gotten  him  selfe  at  the  length  out  of 
Marcellus  hands,  and  having  his  army  free  to  serve  him  as 
he  thought  good : he  burned  and  destroyed  all  Italie  where 
he  went  and  stoode  no  more  in  feare  of  any  thing.  This 
made  Marcellus  ill  spoken  of  at  Rome,  and  caused  his  enemies 
to  take  holde  of  such  a matter  against  him : for  they  straight 
raised  Publius  Bibulus  Tribune,  to  accuse  him,  who  was  a 
hotte  harebrained  man,  but  very  eloquent,  and  coulde  deliver 
his  minde  very  well.  So  this  Bibulus  called  the  people  oft 
to  counsaill,  and  tolde  them  there,  that  they  must  nedes  call 
home  Marcellus,  and  appoint  some  other  to  take  charge  of 
the  army  : for  as  for  him,  sayd  he,  bicause  he  hath  fought 
a litle  with  Hanniball  (and  as  a man  might  say,  wrestled  a litle 
368 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

with  him)  he  is  now  gotten  to  the  bathes  to  solace  him  selfe.  MARCEL- 
But  Marcellus  hearing  this,  left  his  Lieutenantes  in  the  campe,  hUS 

and  went  him  selfe  to  Rome,  to  aunswer  to  the  untrue  accusa- 
tions layd  against  him,  and  there  he  perceived  at  his  comming, 
how  they  intended  to  prosecute  the  matter  against  him  apon 
these  informations.  So  a day  of  hearinge  was  appointed  for 
his  matter,  and  the  parties  came  before  the  people  assembled 
in  counsaill,  in  the  great  listes  or  show  place,  called  Circus  Circus  Fla- 
Flaminius,  to  give  judgement.  There  Publius  Bibulus  the  numus. 
Tribune,  sitting  in  his  chayer,  layd  open  his  accusation  with 
great  circumstance  : and  Marcellus,  when  Bibulus  had  tolde 
his  tale,  aunswered  him  in  few  wordes,  and  very  discretely, 
only  touchinge  his  purgation.  But  the  noble  and  chiefest 
men  of  the  citie,  rose  uppe,  and  spake  on  Marcellus  behalfe, 
telling  the  people  plainely,  that  they  did  Marcellus  wrong, 
to  recken  worse  of  his  valliantnes,  then  their  enemy  did : 
and  to  judge  of  him  as  a coward,  considering  Hanniball  only 
fled  from  him,  of  all  other  Captaines,  and  would  by  no  meanes 
fight  with  him,  never  refusinge  to  fight  with  any  other 
whatsoever.  These  perswasions  tooke  such  effect,  as  where 
Marcellus  accuser  looked  for  his  condemnation  : Marcellus  to 
the  contrary,  was  not  only  cleared  of  his  accusation,  but 
furthermore  they  chose  him  Consull  againe  the  fift  time.  Marcellus 
So  beinge  entred  into  his  office,  he  went  first  into  Thuscan  : chosen  Con- 
where  visiting  the  good  cities  one  after  an  other,  and  quiet-  e 
inge  them,  he  pacified  a great  sedition  in  the  contry,  when 
they  were  all  ready  to  rise  and  rebell.  Afterwards  at  his 
returne,  he  thought  to  consecrate  the  temple  of  honor  and  The  temples 
vertue,  which  he  had  built  with  the  spoyles  he  gotte  in  the  °f  honor 
warres  of  Sicile.  But  the  Priestes  were  against  it,  saying,  ^?jtv^rtue 
two  goddes  might  not  be  in  one  church.  Thereupon  he  Marcellus. 
built  an  other  temple,  and  joyned  it  to  the  first,  being  very 
angry  the  Priestes  denied  so  his  consecration:  and  he  did 
take  it  for  an  evill  token,  besides  diverse  other  signes  in  the 
element  that  afterwards  appeared,  and  troubled  him  much. 

For  there  were  many  temples  set  a fire  with  lightening  at  one 
time : and  the  rattes  and  mise  did  knawe  the  golde,  that 
was  in  the  chappell  of  Iupiter  Capitoline.  And  it  is  reported 
also,  that  an  oxe  did  speake : and  a childe  came  out  of  the 
2 : AAA  369 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


MARCEL- 

LUS 

Wonderfull 
signes  were 
seene  in 
Rome  unfor- 
tunate to 
Marcellus. 


heade  of  an  Elephant,  and  that  the  child  was  alive.  Further- 
more, the  Priestes  and  Soothsayers  sacrificing  to  the  goddes, 
to  withdraw  this  evill  from  them  these  sinister  tokens  did 
threaten  : they  could  never  finde  any  favorable  signes  in  their 
sacrifices.  Whereuppon  they  sought  to  keepe  Marcellus  still 
at  Rome,  who  had  a marvelous  earnest  desire  to  be  gone  with 
speede  to  the  warres  : for  never  man  longed  for  any  thing  so 
much,  as  Marcellus  did,  to  fight  with  Hanniball.  Insomuch 
he  never  dreamed  other  thing  in  the  night,  nor  spake  of  any 
matter  els  in  the  day  to  his  frendes  and  companions,  nor 
prayed  to  the  goddes  for  any  other  thinge,  but  that  he  might 
fight  with  Hanniball  in  the  fielde : and  I thincke  he  woulde 
willingliest  have  fought  a private  combat  with  him,  in  some 
walled  city  or  inclosed  lystes  for  the  combat.  And  had  it 
not  bene  that  he  had  already  wonne  him  selfe  great  fame, 
and  shewed  him  selfe  to  the  worlde,  (by  sundry  great  proofes 
and  experience  of  his  doings)  a grave,  skilful],  and  a valliant 
Captaine  as  any  man  of  his  time : I would  have  said  it  had 
bene  a pange  of  youth,  and  a more  ambitious  desire,  then  be- 
came a man  of  his  age,  who  was  three  score  yere  old  at  that 
time,  when  they  made  him  Consull  againe  the  fift  time.  Never- 
iTi^echosen  theles,  after  he  had  ended  all  his  propitiatory  sacrifices  and 
- - purifications,  such  as  the  Soothsayers  had  appointed:  he 

departed  from  Rome  with  his  fellow  Consul  Quintus  Crispinus 
to  the  warres.  He  found  Hanniball  lying  betwene  the  cities 
of  Bancia,  and  Venousa,  and  sought  all  the  meanes  he  could 
Hanniball  lay  to  procure  him  to  fight,  but  he  could  never  get  him  to  it. 

Howbeit  Hanniball  being  advertised  by  spyalles,  that  the 
Consulls  sent  an  army  to  besiege  the  city  of  the  Locrians, 
surnamed  Epizephyrians  : (as  ye  would  say,  the  occidentals, 
bicause  the  Greecians,  in  respect  of  the  Italians,  are  called 
the  orientals :)  he  layd  an  ambush  for  them  that  went,  under 
the  hill  of  Petelium,  which  was  directly  in  their  way,  where 
he  slew  about  two  thowsand  five  hundred  Romaines.  That 
overthrow  did  sette  Marcellus  on  fire,  and  made  him  more 
desirous  of  battell : whereupon  he  removed  his  campe  from 
the  place  he  lay  in,  and  marched  nearer  to  his  enemy. 
Betwene  their  two  campes,  there  was  a prety  litle  hill,  strong 
of  scituacion,  a wilde  thing  overgrowen  with  wod,  and  there 
370 


Marcellus 
three  score 


Consull  the 
fift  time. 

Q.  Crispinus 
Consull. 


betwixt  the 
cities  of  Ban- 
cia and  Ven- 


Mons  Pete- 
lium. 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

were  high  hillocks.  From  whence  they  might  discerne  a MARCEL- 
great  way,  both  the  one  and  the  others  campe,  and  at  the  LUS 
foote  of  the  same  ranne  prety  springs : Insomuch  as  the 
Romaines  wondered,  that  Hannibal  comminge  thither  first, 
did  not  take  that  place,  but  had  left  it  to  his  enemies.  How- 
beit  Hannibal  was  crafty  enough,  leaving  it  of  purpose  : for 
as  it  was  commodious  to  lodge  his  campe  in,  so  it  served  his 
turne  better  for  an  ambush.  So  he  filled  the  wodde,  the  An  ambush 
hollow  places,  and  the  valleys  there  about,  with  store  of  shot  laYd  by 
and  spearemen,  assuringe  him  selfe  that  the  place  woulde  Rannibalk 
intyse  the  Romaines  thither : and  in  deede  he  gessed  rightly, 
for  so  fell  it  out.  Straight,  there  flew  a rumor  abroade  in 
the  Romaines  campe,  that  there  was  a passing  place  to  lodge 
in,  and  every  man  tooke  apon  him  like  a skilfull  souldier, 
to  tell  what  vantage  they  should  have  apon  their  enemies, 
by  taking  that  place,  and  specially  if  they  did  lodge  there, 
or  otherwise  built  a fort  upon  it.  Whereupon  Marcellus 
determined  to  goe  see  the  place  him  selfe,  taking  a few  horse- 
men with  him.  Notwithstanding,  before  he  would  take 
horse,  he  called  for  his  Soothsayer  to  sacrifice  to  the  goddes. 

The  first  beast  that  was  sacrificed,  the  Soothsayer  shewed  111  signes  to 
Marcellus  the  liver  of  it  without  a head.  The  second  beast  Marcellus. 
sacrificed,  had  a fayer  great  head  of  a liver,  and  all  the  other 
partes  were  also  sounde,  and  very  newe : that  by  them  it 
appeared  al  the  feare  of  the  first  ill  signes  and  tokens  were 
taken  away.  Yet  the  Soothsayers  on  the  other  side  sayd, 
it  did  make  them  worse  afraid  then  before : for  these  so 
favorable  and  lucky  tokens  of  the  sacrifice,  followinge 
immediatly  after  the  first  fowle  and  nawghty  signes,  made 
them  doubt  them  much  by  reason  of  so  straunge  and  sodaine 
an  alteracion.  But  as  the  Poet  Pindarus  sayth, 

Nor  force  of  burning  fire,  nor  wall  of  steele  nor  stone, 
nor  whatsoever  other  thing,  is  here  this  earth  upon  : 

Can  kepe  abacke  the  course  of  fatall  desteny, 
nor  yet  resist  the  due  decrees,  which  come  from  heaven  on  high. 

So  Marcellus  tooke  his  horse,  with  Quintus  Crispinus  his  Quintus  Cris- 
fellow  Consull,  and  his  sonne  one  of  the  Tribunes  of  the  Pinus  fellowe 
souldiers,  having  onely  two  hundred  and  twenty  horsemen  with  M^eRus* 
him,  of  the  which  there  was  not  one  Romaine  among  them, 

371 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Marcellus 
slaine  in  an 
ambush  at 
the  hill  of 
Petelie. 


The  Consull 

Crispinus 

slaine. 


but  all  were  Thuscans,  saving  forty  Fregellanians,  who  from 
the  beginning  of  these  warres  had  alwayes  shewed  them 
selves  very  faithfull  and  loving  to  Marcellus.  The  hill  we 
spake  of  before,  being  thicke  covered  with  wodde  and  bushes, 
the  enemies  hadde  set  a skowte  to  watche  on  the  toppe  of  it, 
to  geve  warning  if  they  saw  any  comming  towardes  it.  The 
Romanies  coulde  not  see  him,  and  he  on  the  other  side  might 
see  even  into  their  campe,  and  perceive  what  was  done,  as  he 
did  advertise  those  at  that  time  that  lay  in  ambushe  for 
Marcellus  comminge:  and  they  suffered  him  to  passe  on, 
untill  he  came  directly  against  them.  Then  they  shewed 
upon  the  sodaine,  and  compassing  in  Marcellus,  they  both 
shot  and  strake  at  him,  some  following  them  that  fled,  and 
other  fighting  with  the  forty  Fregellanians  which  only  stucke 
to  it : who  came  roundly  in  together  (notwithstanding  the 
Thuscans  were  fled)  apon  the  first  crie  they  heard,  to  defend 
the  two  Consulls,  untill  such  time  as  the  Consull  Crispinus 
havinge  two  woundes  on  his  body  with  a dart,  did  turne  his 
horse  to  flie.  And  with  that,  one  of  the  enemies  gave 
Marcellus  such  a sore  blowe  with  a speare  havinge  a broade 
iron  head,  that  he  ranne  him  quite  through.  The  Fregel- 
lanians that  were  left  alive,  beinge  but  a few  in  number, 
seeinge  Marcellus  slaine,  left  him  lyinge  on  the  grounde,  and 
tooke  his  sonne  away  with  them  that  was  very  sore  hurt,  and 
by  the  swiftnes  of  their  horses  recovered  their  campe,  and 
saved  them  selves.  At  this  overthrowe,  there  were  not 
slayne  above  fortie  men,  and  five  and  twentie  taken  prisonners, 
of  which,  five  of  them  were  the  Consulls  sergeauntes,  and  their 
officers  that  caried  axes  before  them,  and  the  other  were 
all  horsemen.  Within  few  dayes  after,  the  other  Consull 
Crispinus  died  also  of  his  hurtes,  which  was  such  a misfortune, 
as  never  came  before  to  the  Romaines,  that  both  their 
Consulls  were  slaine  at  one  battell.  Now  Hanniball  made 
no  great  reckeninge  of  all  that  were  slaine,  or  taken  at  this 
fielde  : but  when  he  heard  that  Marcellus  selfe  was  slaine  at 
this  overthrow,  he  went  him  selfe  straight  to  the  place  to 
see  him.  So  when  he  had  viewed  his  body  a great  while, 
standing  hard  by  it,  and  considering  his  strength,  his  stature, 
and  countenance,  having  taken  full  view  of  all  the  partes  of 


372 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

him,  he  spake  no  proude  word  against  him,  nor  shewed  any 
glad  countenance,  as  some  other  would  have  done,  that  had 
slaine  so  valliant  and  daungerous  an  enemy : but  wondering 
how  he  came  to  be  slaine  so  straungely  there,  he  tooke  of  his 
ring  from  one  of  his  fingers  that  sealed  his  letters,  and  geving 
his  body  buriall  according  to  his  estate,  made  it  to  be 
honorably  burnt,  and  then  put  all  his  bones  and  ashes  into 
a silver  potte,  on  which  he  him  selfe  put  a crowne  of  golde, 
and  sent  it  unto  Marcellus  sonne.  It  fortuned  so,  that 
certaine  light  horsemen  of  the  Numidians  mette  with  them 
that  caried  this  silver  pot,  and  would  have  taken  it  from 
them  by  force : but  they  stood  to  it,  and  woulde  not  parte 
withall,  and  so  fightinge  and  striving  together  for  it,  the 
bones  and  ashes  were  scattered  all  about.  Hanniball  hear- 
inge  this,  sayed  to  them  that  were  about  him : See,  howe 
nothinge  can  be,  which  the  goddes  will  not.  So  he  punished 
the  Numidians,  and  cared  no  more  to  gette  Marcellus  bones 
together,  but  perswaded  him  selfe  it  was  the  will  of  the 
goddes  he  shoulde  dye  so  straungely,  and  that  his  body 
shoulde  have  no  buriall.  Cornelius  Nepos  and  Valerius 
Maximus  wryte  it  thus  : but  Livie,  and  Augustus  Caesar  say, 
that  the  pot  was  caried  unto  his  sonne,  and  honorably  buried. 
Marcellus  did  consecrate  many  monumentes  in  diverse  places, 
besides  those  at  Home.  As  at  Catana  in  Sicile  : a place  for 
young  men  to  exercise  them  selves  in.  In  the  lie  of  Samo- 
thracia,  in  the  temples  of  the  gods  called  Cabires : many 
images  and  tables  he  brought  from  Syracusa.  And  in  the 
lie  of  Lindos,  in  the  temple  of  Minerva,  where  among  other, 
there  is  a statue  of  his,  and  this  epigramme  graven  under  it, 
as  Posidonius  the  Philosopher  wryteth. 

O thou  my  frend  (I  say)  which  passest  forth  by  me, 

of  Claudius  Marcellus  here,  the  image  mayest  thou  see  : 
whose  family  at  Rome,  was  of  the  noblest  name. 

Seven  times  he  Consull  chosen  was,  in  which  he  overcame, 
great  numbers  infinite,  (in  open  fielde  and  fight) 
of  such  as  sought  his  contries  spoyle,  and  put  them  all  to  flight. 

The  author  of  this  epigramme  reckeneth,  the  two  times  of 
his  being  viceconsull,  for  two  whole  Consullshippes : but  his 
posteritie  continued  alwayes  in  great  honor,  unto  Marcellus, 

373 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Marcellus 
funerall  hon- 
ored by 
Hanniball. 


Marcellus 

monuments. 


Marcellus 

posterity. 


MARCEL- 

LUS 


Pelopidas  and 
Marcellus 
actes  in  wars. 


Marcellus 
actes  pre- 
ferred before 
Pelopidas. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

the  sonne  of  Octavia,  (Augustus  Caesars  sister)  and  of  Caius 
Marcellus.  He  dyed  a young  man,  being  AEdilis  of  Rome, 
and  maried  unto  Iulia,  Augustus  daughter,  with  whom  he 
lived  no  long  time.  But  to  honor  the  memory  of  him, 
Octavia  his  mother  built  the  library,  and  Augustus 
Caesar  the  Theater,  which  are  called  to  this  day, 
Marcellus  Theater  and  library. 


THE  COMPARISON  OF 
MARCELLUS  WITH  PELOPIDAS 


HESE  are  the  greatest  thinges  and  best 
worthy  of  memory  (in  my  opinion)  of  all 
Pelopidas  and  Marcellus  doinges  : and  for 
their  maners  and  naturall  condicions  other- 
wise, they  were  all  one,  bicause  they  were 
both  valliant,  painefull,  and  noble  minded  : 
saving  that  this  difference  onely  was 
betwene  them.  That  Marcellus  in  many 
cities  he  tooke  by  assault,  did  cruelly  murder  them,  and  spilt 
much  bloode : where  Epaminondas  and  Pelopidas  contrarily 
did  never  put  any  to  the  sword  they  overcame,  neither  did 
they  take  away  the  libertie  from  any  citie  they  tooke : and 
it  is  thought  the  Thebans  woulde  not  have  handeled  the 
Orchomenians  so  cruelly  as  they  did,  if  one,  or  both  of  them 
had  bene  present.  Nowe  for  their  actes,  it  was  a noble  and 
wonderfull  peece  of  service  that  Marcellus  did,  with  so  small 
a company  of  horsemen  as  he  tooke  with  him,  to  overthrow 
so  great  a number  of  horsemen  and  footemen  both,  of  the 
Gaules  : a thinge  that  never  Generali  but  him  selfe  did,  and 
specially  that  slewe  with  his  owne  handes  in  the  fielde,  the 
Generali  of  his  enemies.  Which  Pelopidas  could  never 
attaine  unto : for  he  seeking  to  kill  Alexander  the  tyran  of 
Pheres,  was  slaine  first  him  selfe,  and  suffered  that,  which  he 
desired  to  have  done  to  an  other.  And  yet  for  that  service 
may  be  objected,  the  battells  of  Leuctres,  and  of  Tegyra, 
374 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

which  were  both  famous  and  notable.  But  to  encounter  MARCEL- 
with  those,  there  was  no  notable  ambushe  or  secrete  practise  BUS  and 
done  by  Marcellus,  that  was  any  thing  like  comparable  to  PELOP  DA 
that  Pelopidas  did  at  his  returne  from  exile,  when  he  slew  The  maner  of 
the  tyrans  that  kept  Thebes  in  bondage.  For  that  was  as  Marcellus 
notable  a policy  and  sodaine  an  enterprise  stolen  apon,  as  Jgedes  ° ^ aS 
none  was  ever  greater,  or  more  famous.  It  is  true  Marcellus 
was  yoked  with  Hanniball,  who  was  a dreadfull  and  a violent 
enemy : so  were  the  Thebans  also  at  that  very  time  with 
the  Lacedaemonians,  who  notwithstanding  were  overcome 
of  Pelopidas,  at  the  battells  of  Tegyra,  and  of  Leuctres. 

Wheras  Marcellus  did  never  so  much  as  once  overcome 
Hanniball,  as  Polybius  wryteth,  but  remained  unconquered 
alwayes,  untill  that  Scipio  overcame  him  in  battell.  Not- 
withstandinge,  we  do  geve  best  credit  to  the  reportes  of 
Caesar,  Livie,  Cornelius  Nepos,  and  of  king  Iuba  among  the 
Greecians : who  wryte,  that  Marcellus  otherwhile  did  over- 
throw certaine  of  Hanniballs  companies,  howebeit  they  were 
never  no  great  overthrowes  to  speake  of,  and  it  seemeth  rather, 
it  was  through  some  mockerie  or  deceite  of  that  African,  then 
otherwise.  Yet  sure  it  was  a great  matter,  and  worthy  much  Marcellus 
commendacion,  that  the  Romaines  were  brought  to  that  made  the 
corage,  as  they  durst  abide  to  fight  with  the  Carthaginians,  Romaines 
having  lost  so  many  great  overthrowes,  and  having  so  many  8 
generalls  of  their  armies  slaine  in  battell,  and  having  the 
whole  Empire  of  Rome  in  so  great  daunger  of  utter 
destruction.  For  it  was  Marcellus  only  of  all  other  generalls, 
that  put  the  Romaines  in  hart  againe,  after  so  great  and 
longe  a feare  thorowly  rooted  in  them : and  incoraged  the 
souldiers  also  to  longe  to  fight  with  their  enemy,  and  not 
onely  to  hope,  but  to  assure  them  selves  of  victory.  For, 
where  by  reason  of  their  continuall  losses  and  fearefull  over- 
throwes they  hadde,  they  thought  them  selves  happy  men 
to  escape  Hannibals  handes  by  runninge  away : he  taught 
them  to  be  ashamed  to  flie  like  cowardes,  to  confesse  they 
were  in  distresse,  to  retyre,  and  leave  the  fielde,  before  they 
had  overcome  their  enemies.  And  where  Pelopidas  was 
never  overcome  in  battell  beinge  generall,  and  Marcellus  did 
overcome  more  then  any  generall  in  his  time : it  might  seeme 

375 


MARCEL- 

LUS  AND 

PELOPIDAS 


Rashnes  in 
a Captaine 
deserveth 
blame. 


The  valliant- 
nes  and  obe- 
dience of 
Chrysantas 
a souldier. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

therefore  that  the  great  number  of  the  victories  of  the  one, 
should  compare  with  the  good  happe  of  the  other  that  was 
never  overcome.  It  is  true  that  Marcellus  tooke  the  city  of 
Syracusa,  and  Pelopidas  failed  of  taking  the  city  of  Sparta : 
but  yet  do  I thinke,  that  it  was  more  valliantly  done  of 
Pelopidas,  to  come  so  neere  Sparta  as  he  did,  and  that  he 
was  the  first  that  passed  the  river  of  Eurotas  with  an  army, 
which  never  enemy  did  before  him,  than  it  was  of  Marcellus 
to  winne  all  Sicile.  Unles  some  paradventure  will  say  againe, 
this  was  Epaminondas,  not  Pelopidas  acte,  as  also  in  the 
victorie  of  Leuctres  : where  no  man  living  can  pretend  any 
parte  of  glory  to  the  doinges  of  Marcellus.  For  he  tooke 
Syracusa,  being  onely  generall  alone,  and  did  overthrow  the 
Gaules  without  his  fellow  Consull,  and  fought  with  Hanniball, 
without  any  mans  helpe  or  incoragement : (for  all  other  were 
against  it,  and  perswaded  the  contrary)  and  he  was  the  first 
that  altered  the  maner  of  warres  the  Romaines  used  then, 
and  that  trained  his  souldiers,  that  they  durst  fight  with  the 
enemy.  For  their  death,  I neither  commend  the  one  nor  the 
other,  and  the  straungenesse  of  either  of  their  deathes  doth 
greve  me  marvelously  : as  I do  greatly  wonder  also,  how 
Hanniball  in  so  many  battells  as  he  fought  (which  are 
innumerable)  could  alwayes  scape  unhurt.  I can  not  but 
greatly  commende  also  the  valliantnes  of  one  Chrysantas, 
whom  Xenophon  speaketh  of  in  his  booke  of  the  institucion 
of  Cyrus,  saying:  that  he  having  lift  up  his  sword  in  his 
hand  ready  to  kill  one  of  his  enemies,  and  hearing  the 
trompet  sound  the  retreate,  he  softly  retyred,  and  would  not 
strike  him.  Howbeit  it  seemeth  Pelopidas  is  more  to  be 
excused : for  beside  that  he  was  very  hot  and  desirous  of 
battel,  yet  his  anger  was  honorable  and  just,  and  moved  him 
to  seeke  revenge.  For  as  the  Poet  Euripides  sayth : 

The  best  that  may  betyde,  is  when  a captaine  lives, 

and  doth  survive  the  victories,  which  he  with  force  achieves. 

But  if  he  needes  must  fall,  then  let  him  valliantly 

even  thrust  amid  the  thickest  throng,  and  there  with  honor  dye. 

For  so  becometh  his  death  famous,  and  not  dishonorable. 
But  now,  besides  Pelopidas  j ust  cause  of  anger,  yet  was  there 
an  other  respect  that  most  pricked  him  forward,  to  do  that 
376 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

he  did : for  he  saw  his  victorie  ended,  in  the  death  of  the 
tyran.  Otherwise  he  shoulde  hardly  have  founde  so  noble 
an  occasion  to  have  shewed  his  valliantnesse,  as  in  that. 
And  Marcellus  contrarily,  without  any  instant  necessity,  and 
havinge  no  cause  of  heate  or  choller,  (which  putteth  all  men 
valliant  in  fight  besides  them  selves,  that  they  know  not 
what  they  do)  did  rashly,  and  unadvisedly  thrust  him  selfe 
into  the  middest  of  the  daunger,  where  he  dyed  not  as  a 
generall,  but  as  a light  horseman  and  skowt,  (forsakinge  his 
three  triumphes,  his  five  Consullshippes,  and  his  spoyles  and 
tokens  of  triumphe,  which  he  had  gotten  of  kinges  with  his 
owne  hands)  among  venturous  Spaniards  and  Numidians,  that 
solde  their  blood  and  lives  for  pay  unto  the  Carthaginians  : 
so  that  I imagine  they  were  angry  with  them  selves  (as  a man 
would  say)  for  so  great  and  happy  a victory,  to  have  slaine 
amongest  Fregellanian  skowtes,  and  light  horsemen,  the 
noblest  and  worthiest  person  of  the  Romaines.  I would  no 
man  should  thinke  I speake  this  in  reproch  of  the  memory 
of  these  two  famous  men,  but  as  a griefe  onely  of  them  and 
their  valliantnes : which  they  imployed  so,  as  they  bleamished 
all  their  other  vertues,  by  the  undiscrete  hazarding  of  their 
persones  and  lives  without  cause,  as  if  they  woulde  and 
shoulde  have  dyed  for  them  selves,  and  not  rather  for  their 
contry  and  frendes.  And  also  when  they  were  dead,  Pelo- 
pidas  was  buried  by  the  allies  and  confederats  of  the  city  of 
Thebes,  for  whose  cause  he  was  slaine  : and  Marcellus  in 
like  maner,  by  the  enemies  selves  that  hadde  slaine  him. 
And  sure  the  one  is  a happy  thing,  and  to  be  wished  for  in 
such  a case  : but  the  other  is  farre  above  it,  and  more  to  be 
wondered  at.  That  the  enemy  him  selfe  shoulde  honor  his 
valliantnesse  and  worthinesse  that  hurt  him,  more  then  the 
office  of  frendshippe  performed  by  a thankefull  frende.  For 
nothing  moveth  the  enemy  more  to  honor  his  deade  enemy, 
then  the  admiration  of  his  worthines  : and  the  frende 
sheweth  frendeship  many  times,  rather  for  respect  of 
the  benefit  he  hath  received,  then  for  the  love 
he  beareth  to  his  vertue. 

THE  ENDE  OF  MARCELLUS  LIFE 

2 : BBB  377 


MARCEL- 

LUS  AND 
PELOPIDAS 


Plutarch 
excuseth  his 
free  speech 
and  Judge- 
ment of  these 
famous  men. 


Pelopidas  and 
Marcellus 
funeralls 
unlike. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


Aristides 

wealth. 


THE  LIFE  OF  ARISTIDES 


RISTIDES  the  sonne  of  Lysimachus,  was 
certeinly  of  the  tribe  of  Antiochides,  and 
of  the  towne  of  Alopecia.  But  for  his 
goodes  and  wealth,  they  diversely  write 
of  him.  For  some  say,  he  lived  poorely 
all  the  daies  of  his  life,  and  that  he  left 
two  daughters,  which  by  reason  of  their 
poverty,  lived  unmaried  many  yeres  after 
their  fathers  death.  And  many  of  the  oldest  writers  do 
confirme  that  for  troth.  Yet  Demetrius  Phalerius,  in  his 
booke  intituled  Socrates , wryteth  the  contrary:  that  he 
knew  certeine  landes  Aristides  had  in  the  village  of  Phaleria, 
which  did  yet  beare  the  name  of  Aristides  lands,  in  the 
which  his  body  is  buried.  And  furthermore,  to  shew  that 
he  was  well  to  live,  and  that  his  house  was  rich  and  wealthy, 
he  bringeth  foorth  these  proofes.  First,  that  he  was  one 
yeare  mayer  or  provost  of  Athens,  whom  they  called,  Archon 
Eponymos,  bicause  the  yeare  tooke  the  name  of  him  that 
hadde  it  yearely.  And  they  say  he  came  to  it,  by  drawing 
of  the  beane,  according  to  the  auncient  use  of  the  Athenians, 
and  their  wonted  manner  of  makinge  their  election  of  the 
said  office : In  which  election  none  were  admitted  to  drawe 
the  beane,  but  such  as  were  highest  set  in  their  subsidie 
bookes,  according  to  the  value  and  rate  of  their  goodes, 
whom  they  called  at  Athens,  Pentacosiomedimnes , as  you 
would  say,  those  that  might  dispend  five  hundred  bushels  of 
wheate  by  the  yere,  and  upwards.  Secondly,  he  alleageth 
he  was  banished  by  the  Ostracismon,  which  banisheth  the 
nobilitie  and  great  rich  men  onely,  whom  the  common 
people  envie,  bicause  of  their  greatnesse,  and  never  dealeth 
with  poore  men.  The  third  and  last  reason  he  makes  is, 
that  he  left  of  his  gift,  three  footed  stooles  in  the  temple  of 
Bacchus,  which  those  do  commonly  offer  up,  as  have  won  the 
victory  in  comedies,  tragedies,  or  other  such  like  pastimes, 
378 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

wherof  they  them  selves  had  borne  the  charge.  And  those  ARISTIDES 

threefooted  stooles  remaine  there  yet,  which  they  say  were 

geven  by  Aristides,  and  have  this  inscription  uppon  them : The 

tribe  of  Antiochides  wanne  the  victorie,  Aristides  defrayed 

the  charges  of  the  games,  and  Archestratus  the  Poet  taught 

them  to  playe  his  comedies.  This  last  reason,  though  it 

seeme  likeliest  of  them  all,  yet  is  it  the  weakest  of  the  rest. 

For  Epaminondas  (whome  every  man  knoweth  was  poore 
even  from  his  birth,  and  alwayes  lived  in  great  povertie)  and 
Plato  the  Philosopher,  tooke  apon  him  to  defraye  the  charges 
of  games  that  were  of  no  small  expence,  the  one  having 
borne  the  charges  of  flute  players  at  Thebes,  and  the  other 
the  dawnce  of  the  children  which  dawnced  in  a rounde  at 
Athens : towards  the  furnishing  of  which  charges,  Dion  the 
Syracusan  gave  Plato  money,  and  Pelopidas  also  gave  Epa- 
minondas money.  Now,  this  is  not  spoken  that  vertuous 
men  should  alwayes  refuse  the  gifts  of  their  frends,  and  that  Good  men 
they  might  not  in  some  sorte  accept  their  frendes  curtesie  may  take 
offered  them : but  bicause  they  should  thinke  it  uncomely 
and  dishonorable  for  them,  to  take  any  thing  to  enrich 
them  selves,  or  to  spare  and  hourde  up.  Howebeit  where 
there  is  any  honorable  act  to  be  done,  or  any  publike  show 
to  be  made,  not  tending  to  their  private  benefit : in  such  a 
case  they  should  not  refuse  their  frendes  loving  offer,  and 
goodwill  towardes  them.  And  where  Demetrius  saith  the 
three  footed  stoole  was  offered  up  in  the  temple  of  Bacchus, 

Panastius  declareth  plainely,  that  Demetrius  was  deceaved 
by  the  semblance  of  the  name.  For  since  the  time  of  the 
warres  of  the  Medes,  unto  the  beginninge  of  the  warre  of 
Peloponnesus,  in  all  the  registers  and  recordes  kept  of  the 
defrayers  of  the  charges  of  common  playes,  there  were  founde 
but  two  men  bearinge  name  of  Aristides,  that  obteined 
victory : and  neither  of  them  both  was  sonne  unto  Lysi- 
machus,  whom  we  wryte  of  at  this  present.  For  the  one  is 
expresly  named  the  sonne  of  Xenophilus,  and  the  other  was 
long  after  the  same  Aristides  we  now  speake  of : as  appeareth 
easily  by  the  wrytinge  and  orthographie,  which  is  according 
to  the  grammer  rules,  we  have  used  in  Greece  ever  since 
Euclides  time.  Moreover  it  is  easie  to  be  knowen,  by  the 

379 


ARISTIDES 


Damon 
banished 
bicause  he 
was  to  wise. 


Socrates  was 
not  poore. 


Aristocratia 
what  it  sig- 
nifieth. 


Aristides  and 
Themistocles 
enemies  in 
the  common 
wealth. 

Themistocles 

disposition. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

name  of  the  Poet  Archestratus  that  is  adjoyned  to  it.  For 
there  is  no  man  that  maketh  mencion  of  a Poet  of  this  name, 
in  all  the  warres  of  the  Medes : but  in  the  time  of  the  warres 
of  Peloponnesus,  many  doe  put  him  in  for  an  author  and 
maker  of  rymes  and  songes  that  were  song  in  common 
daunces.  Yet  for  all  Panaetius  objections,  the  matter  is 
to  be  better  looked  into,  and  considered  of.  But  for  the 
Ostracismon  banishment,  it  is  true,  that  such  as  were  great 
men  in  estimacion  above  the  common  people,  either  in  fame, 
nobility,  or  eloquence,  they  onely  were  subject  unto  this 
banishment.  For  Damon  him  selfe,  beinge  Pericles  schoole- 
maister,  was  banished:  onely  bicause  the  common  people 
thought  him  to  wise.  Moreover,  Idomeneus  wryteth,  that 
Aristides  was  their  provost  for  a yeare,  not  by  lot  of  beanes, 
but  by  voyces  of  the  Athenians  that  chose  him.  And  if 
he  were  provost  since  the  jorney  of  Platees,  as  Demetrius 
wryteth : it  is  likely  enough  that  they  didde  him  this 
honor,  for  his  great  vertue  and  notable  service,  which  other 
were  wont  to  obteine  for  their  riches.  But  this  Demetrius 
doth  not  only  defende  Aristides,  but  also  Socrates  poverty, 
as  if  it  were  a fowle  vyce  and  reproche  to  be  poore.  For 
he  wryteth,  that  he  had  not  only  a house  of  his  owne,  but 
also  three  score  and  ten  Minas  at  usery,  which  Criton  gave 
him  interest  for.  But  now  to  our  story  againe.  Aristides 
was  Clisthenes  very  frend,  he  that  restored  the  government 
at  Athens  after  the  expulsion  of  the  thirty  tyrannes,  and 
did  reverence  Lycurgus  the  Lawmaker  of  the  Lacedaemonians 
for  his  lawes,  above  all  the  men  in  his  time : and  therefore 
he  ever  favored  the  state  of  Aristocratia,  that  is,  where  the 
noble  men  rule,  and  have  the  soverainty.  Howbeit  he  ever 
had  Themistocles  (Neocles  sonne)  his  continuall  adversary, 
as  takinge  parte  with  the  contrary,  and  defending  the 
popular  state  of  government.  Some  say,  that  being  schollers, 
and  brought  up  together,  they  were  ever  contrary  one  to 
an  other  in  all  their  actions  and  doinges,  were  it  in  sporte, 
or  in  matters  of  earnest : and  ever  after,  men  beganne  to  see 
the  naturall  inclination  of  them  both,  by  their  contrary 
affections.  For  Themistocles  was  quicke,  nimble,  adventur- 
ous, and  subtill,  and  would  venter  on  any  thing,  apon  light 
380 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

occasion.  Aristides  contrariwise  was  very  quiet,  temperate,  ARISTIDES 
constant,  and  marvelous  well  stayed,  who  woulde  for  no  Aristides 
respect  be  drawen  away  from  equity  and  justice,  neither  nature, 
would  lye,  flatter,  nor  abuse  any  body,  though  it  were  but 
in  sporte.  Notwithstanding,  Aristus  of  Chio  wryteth,  that 
their  malice  beganne  first  of  light  love,  and  that  it  grewe  to 
greatnesse  by  processe  of  time  betwene  them : for  (sayeth 
he)  both  the  one  and  the  other  of  them  fell  in  love  with 
Stesileus,  borne  in  the  He  of  Ceos.  This  fond  light  love  of 
theirs,  fell  not  easily  from  them,  nor  the  envy  they  conceived 
one  against  an  other,  but  continued  against  eche  other  in 
matters  of  state : such  was  their  malice  towardes  one  an 
other.  In  which  calling,  Themistocles  sought  the  way  to 
winne  frendes,  by  whose  meanes  he  came  to  great  prefer- 
ment in  shorte  time,  and  had  made  him  selfe  very  strong  by 
them.  Therefore,  when  a frende  of  his  tolde  him  one  day, 
he  was  worthy  to  governe  the  city  of  Athens,  and  were  very  Themistocles 
fitte  for  it,  if  he  were  indifferent,  and  not  partiall.  The  saying  for 
goddes  forbid  (quod  he)  I should  ever  occupie  the  place  of  Partla  ^ 
a governour,  where  my  frendes  shoulde  not  finde  more  favor 
then  straungers,  that  doe  me  no  pleasure.  But  Aristides 
taking  an  other  course  by  him  selfe,  would  not  stande  apon  Aristides 
his  frendes  in  government.  First,  bicause  he  woulde  do  no  manner  of 
man  wrong,  with  pleasuring  his  frendes  : nor  yet  would  anger  common 
them,  by  denying  their  requestes.  Secondly,  bicause  he  saw  weaith. 
many  rulers  and  men  of  authority  bolde  to  do  injustice,  and 
manifest  wrong,  bearinge  them  selves  apon  their  frendes  : but 
he  caried  this  opinion,  that  no  honest  man,  or  good  citizen, 
shoulde  trust  to  any  bolstring  of  frendes,  but  to  his  owne  j ust 
and  upright  doings.  Notwithstanding,  Aristides  perceivinge 
that  Themistocles  did  rashly  alter  many  thinges,  and  ever 
encountered  all  his  wayes,  and  hindered  his  doings  : he  was 
enforced  somtime  to  crosse  Themistocles  againe,  and  to  speake 
against  that  he  preferred,  partely  to  be  even  with  him,  but 
most  to  hinder  his  credit  and  authority,  which  increased  still 
through  the  peoples  favor  and  goodwilles  towardes  him  : 
thinking  it  better  by  contrarying  him  a litle  to  disapoint 
sometime  a thing  that  might  have  fallen  out  well  for  the 
common  wealth,  rather  then  by  geving  him  the  head,  to  suffer 

381 


ARISTIDES 


Barathrum 
a prison  or 
dungeon. 


Aristides 

constancy. 


Aristides 

justice. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

him  to  grow  to  great.  To  conclude,  it  fortuned  on  a time  that 
Themistocles  having  preferred  a matter  very  profitable  for  the 
common  wealth,  Aristides  was  so  much  against  it,  as  Themis- 
tocles purpose  tooke  no  place.  Moreover  Aristides  was  so 
earnest  against  him,  that  when  the  counsaill  brake  up  after 
Themistocles  motion  was  rejected,  he  spake  it  openly  before 
them  all : that  the  common  wealth  of  Athens  would  never 
prosper,  untill  they  both  were  laid  in  Barathrum,  which  was  a 
prison  or  hole,  wherein  they  put  all  theeves  and  condemned 
men.  An  other  time,  Aristides  moved  a matter  to  the  people, 
which  diverse  were  against,  but  yet  it  went  with  him.  And 
when  the  judge  or  president  of  the  counsaill  did  put  it  to 
the  people,  to  knowe  their  allowance  of  it : Aristides  per- 
ceiving by  the  argumentes  made  against  it,  that  the  matter 
he  preferred  was  hurtfull  to  the  common  wealth,  he  gave 
it  over,  and  would  not  have  it  passe.  Many  times  also 
Aristides  spake  by  other  men,  when  he  would  have  a thing 
go  forward,  for  feare  least  Themistocles  spight  towardes 
him,  woulde  hinder  the  benefitte  of  the  common  wealth. 
They  founde  him  very  constant  and  resolute  in  matters  of 
state,  whatsoever  happened : which  wanne  him  great  com- 
mendacion.  For  he  was  never  the  prouder  for  any  honor 
they  gave  him,  nor  thought  him  selfe  disgraced  for  any 
overthrow  he  received  : being  alwayes  of  this  minde,  that  it 
was  the  duety  of  an  honest  citizen,  to  be  ever  ready  to  offer 
his  body  and  life  to  doe  his  contry  service,  without  respect 
and  hope  of  reward  of  money,  or  for  honor  and  glory. 
Therefore  when  certeine  verses  were  repeated  in  the  Theater, 
of  one  of  the  tragedies  of  iEschilus,  made  in  commendacion 
of  the  auncient  Soothsayer  Amphiaraus,  to  this  effect : 

He  will  not  only  seeme,  a just  man  by  his  face, 

but  just  indede  he  will  be  founde,  and  vertue  still  embrace  : 

With  all  his  thought  and  soule,  from  whence  there  may  procede, 
grave  counsells  for  to  beawtifie,  his  contries  crowne  in  dede. 

All  the  people  straight  cast  their  eyes  upon  Aristides,  as 
uppon  him,  that  in  troth  above  all  other  most  deserved  the 
praise  of  so  great  a vertue.  For  he  was  so  stoute  and 
resolute,  not  only  to  resist  favor  and  frendshippe : but  to 
382 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

reject  hate  and  anger  also.  For  in  case  of  justice,  neither 
coulde  frendshippe  make  him  go  away  for  his  frendes  sake : 
nor  envy  coulde  move  him  to  do  injustice,  to  his  very 
enemy.  For  proofe  hereof  it  is  wrytten,  that  he  had  an 
enemie  of  his  in  sute  of  law,  and  did  prosecute  it  to  judge- 
ment : insomuch  as  after  the  plaint  was  red,  the  judges  were 
so  angrie  with  the  offendor,  that  without  any  more  hearinge 
of  him,  they  woulde  have  geven  sentence  against  him.  But 
Aristides  rising  from  his  place,  went  and  kneeled  at  the 
judges  feete  with  the  offendor  his  enemy,  and  besought  them 
to  geve  him  leave  to  speake,  to  justifie  and  defende  his 
cause,  according  to  the  course  of  the  law.  An  other  time 
he  being  judge  betwene  two  private  men  that  pleaded 
before  him,  one  of  them  sayd  unto  him : Aristides,  this 
fellow  mine  adversary  here,  hath  done  you  great  injurie. 
My  frende  (quod  Aristides  againe)  I pray  thee  tell  me  onely 
the  injury  he  hath  done  thee,  for  I am  judge  here  to  do 
thee  right,  and  not  my  selfe.  Moreover,  he  beinge  chosen 
high  treasorer  of  all  the  revenues  of  Athens,  did  declare 
that  all  the  officers  before  him,  and  other  his  late  pre- 
decessors, hadde  greatly  robbed  and  spoyled  the  common 
treasure,  but  specially  Themistocles : who  was  a wise  man, 
and  of  great  judgement,  but  yet  somewhat  light  fingered. 
Therefore  when  Aristides  was  to  geve  uppe  his  accompt, 
Themistocles,  and  many  other  suborned  by  him,  were 
against  him,  and  accused  him  for  abusing  his  office,  and 
followed  him  so  hard,  that  through  their  practise  they  con- 
demned him,  as  Idomeneus  wryteth.  Yet  the  noblest  citizens 
seeing  what  injury  they  offered  Aristides,  tooke  his  cause  in 
hande,  and  founde  meanes  to  procure  the  people  not  onely 
to  release  the  fine  imposed  upon  him,  but  to  restore  him 
againe  to  his  office  of  high  treasorer  for  the  yeare  following : 
in  the  which  he  seemed  to  repent  his  former  straightnes  and 
government  the  yere  before,  and  so  dealt  more  favorably 
with  those  he  hadde  to  do,  and  would  not  examine  every 
thing  so  straightly  as  he  did  before.  Whereupon  such  as 
were  theeves  and  stealers  of  the  treasure  of  the  common 
wealth,  did  marvelously  praise  and  like  him,  and  became 
suters  for  him  to  continew  in  the  office.  But  when  the  day 

383 


ARISTIDES 


Aristides 
wise  saying. 

Aristides 

chosen 

treasorer. 

Themistocles 

covetously 

geven. 


Aristides 
accused  and 
condemned, 
for  abusing 
his  office. 

Aristides  fine 
released,  and 
he  made 
treasorer 
againe. 


ARISTIDES 


Aristides 
openly  re- 
proveth  close 
theeves  in 
the  common 
wealth,  and 
detesteth 
their  praise. 


Miltiades 
chiefe  of  the 
ten  Captaines 
that  went 
against  Dathis 
the  king  of 
Persiaes 
Lieutenant. 

Miltiades 
victory  of  the 
Persians. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

of  election  came,  that  the  Athenians  woulde  choose  him 
againe,  Aristides  selfe  reproved  them,  and  sayd : When  I 
faithfully  discharged  the  duety  of  mine  office  committed  to 
me  by  you,  I then  received  shame  and  reproche  at  your 
handes : and  now  that  I have  dissembled,  not  seeminge  to 
see  the  theftes  and  robberies  done  apon  your  treasure,  ye 
claw  me,  and  say  I am  an  honest  man,  and  a good  citizen. 
But  I would  you  knew  it,  and  I tell  you  plainely,  I am  more 
ashamed  of  the  honor  you  do  me  now,  then  I was  of  the  fine 
you  did  set  apon  me,  when  you  condemned  me  the  last  yeare  : 
and  I am  sorie  to  speake  it,  that  you  shoulde  thinke  it  more 
commendation  to  pleasure  the  wicked,  then  to  preserve  the 
common  wealth.  After  he  had  spoken  these  words,  and  had 
bewrayed  the  common  theftes  the  officers  of  the  city  did 
commit : he  stopped  the  theeves  mouthes  that  so  highly 
praised  and  commended  him  for  so  honest  a man,  but  yet 
of  the  noble  and  honest  citizens  he  was  much  commended. 
Furthermore,  on  a time  when  Dathis  Lieutenant  to  Darius 
king  of  Persia,  was  come  with  all  his  navy  to  go  a lande 
about  Marathon,  in  the  contrie  of  Attica,  apon  pretence  (as 
he  sayd)  to  be  revenged  onely  of  the  Athenians  that  had 
burnt  the  city  of  Sardis,  but  in  dede  of  minde  to  conquer  all 
Greece,  and  to  destroy  the  whole  contrie  before  him : the 
Athenians  chose  tenne  Captaines  to  go  to  the  warres,  amonge 
whom  Miltiades  was  the  chiefest  man  of  authority.  But 
Aristides  drew  very  neere  him  in  reputacion  and  creditte, 
bicause  he  did  very  good  service  in  obtaining  the  victorie, 
specially  when  he  agreed  with  Miltiades  in  counsaill,  to  geve 
battell  apon  the  barbarous  people:  and  also  when  he  willingly 
gave  Miltiades  the  whole  rule  and  order  of  the  army.  For 
every  one  of  the  tenne  Captaines  did  by  turnes  leade  the 
whole  army  for  one  whole  day : and  when  Aristides  turne 
came  about,  he  gave  his  preferment  thereof  unto  Miltiades, 
teaching  his  other  companions,  that  it  was  no  shame,  but 
honor  for  them,  to  be  ruled  by  the  wisest.  Thus  by  his 
example,  he  appeased  all  strife  that  might  have  growen 
amonge  them,  and  perswaded  them  all  to  be  contented  to 
follow  his  direction  and  counsaill,  that  had  best  experience 
in  warre.  And  so  he  did  much  advaunce  Miltiades  honor. 
384 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


For,  after  that  Aristides  had  once  yelded  his  authority  unto 
him,  every  one  of  the  rest  did  the  like  when  it  came  to  their 
turne  : and  so  they  all  submitted  them  selves  unto  his  rule 
and  leading.  But  on  the  day  of  the  battel,  the  place  where 
the  Athenians  were  most  combred,  was  in  the  middest  of  the 
battell,  where  they  had  set  the  tribes  of  the  Leontides,  and 
of  Antiochides : for  thither  the  barbarous  people  did  bend 
all  their  force,  and  made  their  greatest  fight  in  that  place. 
By  which  occasion,  Themistocles  and  Aristides  fighting  one 
hard  by  an  other,  for  that  the  one  was  of  the  tribe  Leontides, 
and  the  other  of  Antiochides,  they  valiantly  fought  it  out 
with  the  enemies,  envying  one  an  other : so  as  the  barbarous 
people  at  the  last  being  overthrowen,  they  made  them  flie, 
and  drave  them  to  their  shippes.  But  when  they  were 
imbarked  and  gone,  the  Captaines  of  the  Athenians  perceiv- 
ing they  made  not  towardes  the  lies  which  was  their  direct 
course  to  returne  into  Asia,  but  that  they  were  driven  backe 
by  storm e of  winde  and  pyrries  of  the  sea,  towardes  the  coast 
of  Attica,  and  the  city  of  Athens,  fearinge  least  they  might 
finde  Athens  unfurnished  for  defence,  and  might  set  apon 
it : they  thereupon  sent  away  presently  nine  tribes  that 
marched  thither  with  such  speede,  as  they  came  to  Athens 
the  very  same  day,  and  left  Aristides  in  the  campe  at 
Marathon,  with  his  tribe  and  contry  men,  to  looke  to  the 
prisoners  and  spoyle  they  hadde  wonne  of  the  barbarous 
people.  Who  nothing  deceived  the  opinion  they  had  of  his 
wisdom.  For  notwithstanding  there  was  great  store  of  golde 
and  silver,  much  apparell,  moveables,  and  other  infinite 
goodes  and  riches  in  all  their  tentes  and  pavillions,  and  in 
the  shippes  also  they  had  taken  of  theirs : he  was  not  so 
covetous  as  once  to  touch  them,  nor  to  suffer  any  other  to 
medle  with  them,  unlesse  by  stealth  some  provided  for  them 
selves.  As  amongst  other,  there  was  one  Callias,  one  of 
Ceres  Priestes,  called  Dadouchos,  as  you  woulde  saye  the 
torche  bearer : (for  in  the  secret  sacrifices  of  Ceres,  his  office 
was  to  holde  the  torche)  whom  when  one  of  the  barbarous 
people  saw,  and  how  he  ware  a bande  about  his  head,  and 
long  heare,  he  toke  him  for  some  king,  and  falling  on  his 
knees  at  his  feete,  kissed  his  hand,  and  shewed  him  great 
2 : CCC  385 


ARISTIDES 


The  wicked 
parte  of 
Callias  the 
torche  hearer. 


ARISTIDES 


Aristides 
chosen 
provost  of 
Athens. 


Aristides 
called  the 
lust. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

store  of  golde  he  hadde  hidden  and  buried  in  a ditche.  But 
Callias,  like  a most  cruell,  and  cowardly  wretch  of  all  other 
on  the  earth,  tooke  away  the  gold,  and  killed  the  poore  soule 
that  had  shewed  him  the  place,  bicause  he  shoulde  not  tell 
it  to  others.  Hereof  it  commeth,  that  the  comicall  Poets 
do  call  those  that  came  of  him  in  mockery,  Laccoplutes,  as 
made  rich  by  a ditch  : bicause  of  the  golde  that  Callias 
founde  in  it.  Immediatly  after  this  battell,  Aristides  was 
chosen  provost  of  Athens  for  the  yeare : albeit  Demetrius 
Phalerius  writeth,  that  it  was  a litle  before  his  death,  after 
thejorneyof  Platees.  For  in  their  Chronicles,  where  they 
set  in  order  their  provosts  of  Athens  for  the  yere,  since 
Xanthippides  time,  there  appeareth  no  one  name  of  Aristides 
in  that  yeare,  that  Mardonius  the  kinge  of  Persiaes  Lieutenant 
was  overthrowen  by  Platees,  which  was  many  yeares  after. 
But  contrariwise  they  finde  Aristides  enrolled  amonge  the 
provostes  immediatly  after  Phanippus,  in  the  yeare  the 
battell  was  fought  at  Marathon.  Now  the  people  did  most 
commende  Aristides  justice,  as  of  all  other  his  vertues  and 
qualities : bicause  that  vertue  is  most  common  and  in  use  in 
our  life,  and  delivereth  most  benefitte  to  men.  Hereof  it 
came,  that  he  beinge  a meane  man,  obteined  the  worthiest 
name  that  one  coulde  have,  to  be  called  by  the  whole  city,  a 
just  man.  This  surname  was  never  desired  of  kinges,  princes, 
nor  of  tyrannes,  but  they  alwayes  delited  to  be  surnamed, 
some  Poliorcetes,  to  say,  conquerors  of  cities : other  Cerauni, 
to  say,  lightening  or  terrible : other  Nicanores,  to  say,  sub- 
duers : and  some  other,  Aeti  and  Hieraces,  to  say  Eagles  or 
Fawcons,  or  such  like  birdes  that  praye : desiringe  rather  (as 
it  should  appeare  by  those  surnames)  the  praise  and  repu- 
tacion  growinge  by  force  and  power,  then  the  commendacion 
that  riseth  by  vertue  and  goodnes.  And  notwithstanding, 
God  whom  men  desire  most  to  be  likened  to,  doth  excell  all 
humaine  nature  in  three  speciall  thinges : in  immortality,  in 
power,  and  in  vertue,  of  which  three,  vertue  is  the  most 
honorable  and  pretious  thing.  For  as  the  naturall  Philo- 
sophers reason,  all  the  foure  elements  and  Vacuum,  are 
immortall  and  uncorruptible,  and  so  are  force  and  power, 
earthquakes,  lighteninge,  terrible  stormes,  runninge  rivers, 

386 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


and  inundacions  of  waters  : but  as  for  justice  and  equity,  no 
man  is  partaker  of  them,  save  onely  God,  by  meanes  of 
reason  and  understandinge.  Therefore,  bicause  men  com- 
monly have  three  sundry  honors  to  the  gods : the  first,  that 
they  thinke  them  blessed  : the  second,  that  they  feare  them  : 
the  third,  that  they  reverence  them  : it  appeareth  then  that 
they  thinke  them  blessed,  for  the  eternitie  and  immortality 
of  their  godhead : that  they  feare  them,  bicause  of  their 
omnipotency  and  power : and  that  they  love  and  worshippe 
them,  for  their  justice  and  equitie.  And  yet  notwithstand- 
ing, of  those  three,  men  do  covet  immortality,  which  no  flesh 
can  attaine  unto  : and  also  power,  which  dependeth  most 
uppon  fortune:  and  in  the  meane  time  they  leave  vertue 
alone,  whereof  the  goddes  of  their  goodnes  have  made  us 
capable.  But  here  they  shewe  them  selves  fooles.  For 
justice  maketh  the  life  of  a noble  man,  and  of  one  in  great 
authority,  seeme  divine  and  celestiall : where  without  justice, 
and  dealinge  unjustly,  his  life  is  most  beastly,  and  odious  to 
the  worlde.  But  now  againe  to  Aristides.  This  surname 
of  a just  man  at  the  beginning,  made  him  beloved  of  all  the 
people  : but  afterwardes  it  turned  him  to  great  ill  will,  and 
specially  by  Themistocles  practise.  Who  gave  it  out  every 
where,  that  Aristides  had  overthrowen  all  justice,  bicause  by 
consent  of  the  parties  he  was  ever  chosen  Arbitrator  to  ende 
all  controversies : and  how  by  this  meanes  he  secretly  had 
procured  the  absolute  power  of  a kinge,  not  needing  any 
gard  or  souldiers  about  him.  The  people  moreover  beinge 
growen  very  dissolute  and  licentious,  by  reason  of  the  victorie 
of  Marathon,  who  sought  that  all  thinges  should  passe  by 
them,  and  their  authoritie  : beganne  nowe  to  mislike,  and  to 
be  greatly  offended,  that  any  private  man  should  go  before 
the  rest  in  good  fame  and  reputacion.  Whereupon,  they 
came  out  of  all  shyeres  of  Attica  into  the  city  of  Athens, 
and  so  banished  Aristides  with  the  Ostracismon : disguising 
the  envy  they  bare  to  his  glory,  with  the  name  of  feare 
of  tyranny.  For  this  maner  of  banishment  called  Ostracismon, 
or  Exostracismon,  was  no  ordinary  punishment  for  any  fault 
or  offence  committed  : but  to  geve  it  an  honest  cloke,  they 
sayd  it  was  onely  a pulling  downe  and  tying  shorte,  of  to 

387 


ARISTIDES 

The  praise  of 
justice. 


Authority 
would  be 
without  cor- 
ruption. 


Themistocles 
envieth  Aris- 
tides justice. 


Aristides 
banished  with 
the  Ostra- 
cismon. 

The  nature 
of  the  Ostra- 
cismon. 


ARISTIDES 


Hyperbolus 
the  last  man 
banished  with 
the  Ostra- 
cismon. 

The  cause  of 

Hyperbolus 

banishment. 


A description 
of  the  Ostra- 
cismon. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

much  greatnesse  and  authority,  exceeding  farre  the  maner 
and  countenance  of  a popular  state.  But  to  tell  you  truly, 
it  was  none  otherwise,  then  a gentle  meane  to  qualify  the 
peoples  envy  against  some  private  person : which  envy  bred 
no  malice  to  him  whose  greatnes  did  offende  them,  but  onely 
tended  to  the  banishing  of  him  for  tenne  yeares.  But  after- 
wardes  that  by  practise,  this  Ostracismon  banishment  was 
layed  apon  meane  men,  and  malefactors,  as  upon  Hyperbolus 
that  was  the  last  man  so  banished  : they  never  after  used  it 
any  more  at  Athens.  And  by  the  way,  it  shall  not  be  amisse 
to  tell  you  here,  why,  and  wherfore  this  Hyperbolus  was 
banished.  Alcibiades  and  Nicias  were  the  chiefest  men  of 
Athens  at  that  time,  and  they  both  were  ever  at  square 
together,  a common  thing  amongest  great  men.  They 
perceiving  now  by  the  peoples  assembling,  that  they  went 
about  to  execute  the  Ostracismon,  were  marvelously  afrayed 
it  was  ment  to  banishe  one  of  them  : wherefore  they  spake 
together,  and  made  both  their  followers  frends  with  eche 
other,  and  joyned  them  in  one  tribe  together,  insomuch, 
when  the  most  voyces  of  the  people  were  gathered  to  con- 
demne  him  that  should  be  banished,  they  founde  it  was 
Hyperbolus.  The  people  therewith  were  much  offended,  to 
see  the  Ostracismon  so  embased  and  scorned,  that  they  never 
after  woulde  use  it  againe,  and  so  left  it  of  for  ever.  But 
briefely  to  let  you  understande  what  the  Ostracismon  was,  and 
after  what  sorte  they  used  it,  ye  are  to  know  : that  at  a 
certaine  day  appointed,  every  citizen  caried  a great  shell  in 
his  hande,  whereupon  he  wrote  the  name  of  him  he  woulde 
have  banished,  and  brought  it  into  a certeine  place  railed 
about  with  wodden  barres  in  the  market  place.  Then,  when 
every  man  hadde  brought  in  his  shell : the  magistrates,  and 
officers  of  the  city,  did  count  and  tell  the  number  of  them. 
For  if  there  were  lesse  then  sixe  thowsand  citizens,  that  had 
thus  brought  these  shels  together  : the  Ostracismon  was  not 
full  and  perfect.  That  done,  they  layd  a parte  every  mans 
name  written  in  these  shels : and  whose  name  they  founde 
wrytten  by  most  citizens,  they  proclaimed  him  by  sounde  of 
hed  man  for  tenne  yeares,  during  which  time 
, the  party  did  enjoy  all  his  goodes.  Now 


trompet,  a bams 
notwithstanding 
388 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

every  man  wryting  thus  his  name  in  a shell,  whom  they  would  ARISTIDES 
have  banished : it  is  reported  there  was  a plaine  man  of  the  A tale  of  a 
contry  (very  simple)  that  coulde  neither  wryte,  nor  read,  who  plaine  man 
came  to  Aristides  (being  the  first  man  he  met  with)  and  gave  ^ristidesVith 
him  his  shell,  praying  him  to  wryte  Aristides  name  upon  it.  sheu  to 
He  beinge  abashed  withall,  did  aske  the  contrie  man,  if  pray  him  to 
Aristides  had  ever  done  him  any  displeasure.  No,  sayed  the  write  Aris- 
contrie  man,  he  never  did  me  hurt,  nor  I know  him  not : but  name 
it  greeves  me  to  heare  every  man  call  him  a just  man. 

Aristides  hearing  him  say  so,  gave  him  no  aunswere,  but 

wrote  his  owne  name  upon  the  shell,  and  delivered  it  againe 

to  the  contrie  man.  But  as  he  went  his  way  out  of  the  citie, 

he  lift  uppe  his  handes  to  heaven,  and  made  a prayer  contrary 

to  that  of  Achilles  in  Homer,  besechinge  the  goddes  that 

the  Athenians  might  never  have  such  troubles  in  hande,  as 

they  shoulde  be  compelled  to  call  for  Aristides  againe. 

Notwithstandinge,  within  three  yeares  after,  when  Xerxes 

king  of  Persia  came  with  his  army  through  the  contries  of 

Thessalie  and  Bceotia,  and  entred  into  the  heart  of  the 

contrie  of  Attica : the  Athenians  revoking  the  law  of  their 

Ostracismon,  called  home  againe  all  those  they  had  banished,  Aristides 

and  specially,  bicause  they  were  afrayd  Aristides  would  take  called  from 

parte  with  the  barbarous  people,  and  that  his  example  should  exi^e* 

move  many  other  to  do  the  like,  wherin  they  were  greatly 

deceived  in  the  nature  of  the  man.  For  before  that  he  was 

called  home,  he  continually  travelled  up  and  downe,  per- 

swading  and  incoraginge  the  Greecians  to  mainteine  and 

defende  their  liberty.  After  that  lawe  was  repealed,  and 

published,  and  that  Themistocles  was  chosen  the  only 

Lieutenant  generall  of  Athens,  he  did  alwayes  faithfully  aide 

and  assist  him  in  all  thinges,  as  well  with  his  travell,  as  also 

with  his  counsaill : and  thereby  wanne  his  enemy  great 

honor,  bicause  it  stoode  apon  the  safetie  and  preservation  of 

his  contrie.  For  when  Eurybiades,  generall  of  the  armie  of 

the  Greecians,  had  determined  to  forsake  the  He  of  Salamina, 

and  that  the  gaily es  of  the  barbarous  people  were  come 

into  the  middest  of  the  seas,  and  had  environned  the  lies  all 

about,  and  the  mouth  of  the  arme  of  the  straight  of  Salamina, 

before  any  man  knew  they  were  thus  inclosed  in : Aristides 

389 


ARISTIDES 


Aristides  acts 
and  councells 
against  kinge 
Xerxes. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

departing  out  of  the  lie  of  iEgina  with  a marvelous  boldenes, 
ventred  through  the  middest  of  all  the  barbarous  shippes 
and  fleete,  and  by  good  happe  gotte  in  the  night  into 
Themistocles  tent,  and  calling  him  out,  spake  with  him  there 
in  this  sorte : Themistocles,  if  we  be  both  wise,  it  is  high 
time  we  shoulde  nowe  leave  of  this  vaine  envie  and  spite  we 
have  longe  time  borne  eche  other,  and  that  we  should  enter 
into  an  other  sorte  of  envy  more  honorable  and  profitable 
for  us  both.  I meane,  which  of  us  two  should  do  his  best 
indevor  to  save  Greece  : you,  by  ruling  and  commaunding  all 
like  Lieutenant  generall : and  I,  by  counselling  you  for  the 
best,  and  executing  your  commaundement : consideringe  you 
are  the  man  alone  that  will  roundliest  come  unto  the  point 
that  is  best : which  is  in  my  opinion,  that  we  shoulde  hazard 
battell  by  sea  within  the  straight  of  Salamina,  and  that  as 
soone  as  might  be  possible.  But  if  our  frendes  and  con- 
federates do  let  this  to  be  put  in  execution,  I do  assure  you, 
your  enemies  do  helpe  it  forward.  For  it  is  sayd,  that  the 
sea,  both  before  and  behinde  us,  and  rounde  about  us,  is 
covered  all  over  with  their  shippes,  so  as  they  that  would  not 
before,  shall  be  now  compelled  of  force,  and  in  spite  of  their 
heartes,  to  fight  and  besturre  them  like  men : bicause  they 
are  compassed  in  all  about,  and  there  is  no  passage  left 
open  for  them  to  escape,  nor  to  flie.  Whereunto  Themistocles 
aunswered : I am  sory,  Aristides,  that  herein  your  honesty 
appeareth  greater  then  mine : but  since  it  is  so,  that  you 
have  deserved  the  honor  in  beginning,  and  procuring  such  an 
honorable  and  commendable  strife  betwene  us,  I will  hence- 
forth indevor  my  selfe  to  excede  you  in  continuing  this  your 
desire.  After  which  aunswere,  he  told  Aristides,  how  he 
purposed  to  mocke  the  barbarous  kinge,  and  prayed  him  to 
intreate  Eurybiades  to  yelde  to  his  devise,  and  to  perswade 
him  that  there  was  no  other  way  to  save  Greece,  but  to  fight 
by  sea  : for  Eurybiades  gave  more  creditte  to  Aristides  per- 
swasions,  then  he  did  to  Themistocles  wordes.  For  when  all 
the  Captaines  were  called  to  counsell,  to  determine  whether 
they  should  geve  battell  or  not : one  Cleocritus  Corinthian 
sayd  to  Themistocles,  that  his  counsell  did  not  like  Aristides 
at  all,  as  it  seemed,  bicause  he  spake  never  a worde  to  it 
390 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

being  present.  Aristides  answered  him  straight,  that  he 
utterly  mistooke  him.  For,  quod  he,  if  I did  not  thinke  his 
counsell  good,  I would  not  hold  my  peace  as  I do  : but  now 
I am  mute,  not  for  any  good  will  I beare  him,  but  bicause  I 
finde  his  counsell  wise  and  sounde.  While  the  Captaines  of 
the  Greecians  were  reasoning  in  this  sorte,  Aristides  seeing 
Psyttalea  (a  litle  Ilande  before  Salamina  within  the  straight) 
full  of  men  of  warre  of  their  enemies  : imbarked  immediatly 
the  valliantest  and  lustiest  souldiers  he  hadde  of  all  his  contry 
men,  into  the  least  foystes  or  pynnasies  he  had  among  all  his 
gaily es : and  went  with  them,  and  landed  in  that  lie,  and 
overthrewe  all  the  barbarous  people  he  founde  there,  and  put 
them  to  the  sworde  every  man,  taking  the  chiefest  of  them 
only  prisoners,  among  which,  were  three  sonnes  of  Sandauce, 
the  kinges  sister,  whome  he  sent  unto  Themistocles.  These 
three  Lordes  were  all  slaine  by  the  commaundement  of 
Euphrantidas  the  Soothsayer,  and  sacrificed  to  Bacchus 
Omestes,  as  to  say,  the  cruell  Bacchus,  and  eater  of  raw  flesh, 
and  all  upon  an  oracle  they  had  received.  That  done, 
Aristides  dispersed  his  souldiers  about  the  He,  to  receive  all 
such  as  were  by  fortune  of  warre,  or  of  the  sea,  cast  into  the 
Ilande : to  the  end  that  no  enemy  of  theirs  should  scape 
their  hands,  nor  any  of  his  frendes  should  perish.  For  the 
greatest  fleete  of  all  their  shippes,  and  the  sharpest  encounter 
of  the  whole  bat  tell,  was  about  this  litle  Ilande  : and  there- 
fore the  tokens  of  triumphe  were  set  there.  After  the 
battell  was  wonne,  Themistocles  to  feele  Aristides  opinion, 
sayed  unto  him  : We  have  done  a good  peece  of  service,  but 
yet  there  is  an  other  behinde  of  greater  importance,  and  that 
is  this  : We  must  bringe  all  Asia  into  Europe,  which  we 
may  easily  do,  if  we  saile  with  all  speede  to  the  straight  of 
Hellespont,  and  go  breake  the  bridge  the  king  hath  made 
there.  Then  Aristides  cried  out,  Stay  there,  never  speake  of 
that : but  I pray  you  let  us  rather  seeke  al  the  wayes  we  can, 
how  to  drive  this  barbarous  king  out  of  Greece,  least  if  we 
kepe  him  in  still  with  so  great  an  army  (and  he  shall  see  no 
way  before  him  to  escape  out)  we  drive  him  then  to  fight 
like  a desperate  man,  and  perill  our  selves,  we  can  not  tell 
to  what.  When  Themistocles  had  hearde  his  opinion,  he 


ARISTIDES 
Aristides 
wordes  of 
Themistocles. 


Aristides 
victory  at 
Psyttalea. 


Aristides  wise 
counsell  for 
Xerxes  flying 
out  of  Greece. 


ARISTIDES 
A strata- 
geame  of 
Themistocles. 


Xerxes  left 
Mardonius 
his  Lieuten- 
ant in  Greece 
with  300000 
men. 


/ 


The  noble 
minde  of  the 
Athenians. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

secretely  sent  the  euenuke  Arnaces  his  prisoner,  unto  kinge 
Xerxes,  to  advertise  him  from  him,  that  he  had  altered  the 
Greecians  purpose,  which  was  fully  bent  to  have  broken  up 
the  bridge  he  hadde  made  at  the  straight  of  Hellespont,  to 
passe  over  his  army  : and  that  he  was  the  willinger  to  let 
him  understande  it,  that  he  might  the  better  provide  for 
the  safety  of  his  person.  King  Xerxes  being  netled  with 
this  advertisement,  tooke  straight  his  jorney,  and  with  all 
speede  went  to  recover  the  straight  of  Hellespont,  and  left 
Mardonius  his  Lieutenant  general  in  Greece,  with  three 
hundred  thowsand  of  the  best  souldiers  of  his  army.  This 
Mardonius  was  marvelously  dreaded  of  all  the  Greecians,  for 
the  wonderfull  great  army  he  hadde  by  lande,  and  he  did 
threaten  them  also  by  his  letters  he  wrote  unto  them.  You 
have,  (sayed  he)  with  your  shippes  by  sea,  overcome  men 
acquainted  to  fight  by  lande,  and  that  never  handeled  ower : 
but  now,  the  plaines  of  Thessalie,  or  the  fieldes  of  Bceotia, 
are  very  fayer  and  large  for  horsemen  and  footemen  to  make 
proofe  of  their  valliantnes,  if  you  will  come  to  the  battell  in 
the  field.  He  wrote  letters  to  the  Athenians,  by  the  kinge 
his  maisters  commaundement,  of  other  effect,  and  offered 
them  from  him,  to  builde  up  their  city  againe,  to  geve  them 
a great  pencion,  and  furthermore  to  make  them  Lordes  of 
all  Greece,  so  they  woulde  geve  over,  and  leave  of  these 
warres.  The  Lacedaemonians  beinge  forthwith  advertised 
of  his  letters  wrytten  to  the  Athenians,  and  fearing  least 
they  would  have  bene  perswaded  by  them  : sent  their  Ambas- 
sadors with  al  speede  to  Athens,  to  pray  them  to  send  their 
wives  and  children  unto  Sparta,  and  also  to  offer  them 
vittailles,  to  relieve  their  poore  olde  people,  bicause  of  the 
great  scarcity  that  was  at  Athens,  for  that  their  city  was 
burnt  and  rased,  and  all  their  contry  besides  destroyed  by 
the  barbarous  people.  The  Athenians  having  heard  the 
offers  of  the  Ambassadors  of  Lacedaemon,  made  them  a 
marvelous  answer  through  Aristides  counsell,  and  this  it  was. 
That  they  bare  with  the  barbarous  people,  though  they 
thought  all  thinges  were  to  be  sold  for  gold  and  silver, 
bicause  they  esteemed  nothing  more  pretious,  nor  better  in 
this  world,  then  to  be  riche  and  wealthy : but  on  the  other 
392 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

side,  they  were  greatly  offended  with  the  Lacedaemonians,  ARISTIDES 
that  they  only  regarded  the  present  poverty  and  necessity 
of  the  Athenians,  and  did  forget  their  vertue  and  noble 
corage,  thinking  to  make  them  fight  more  valliantly  for  the 
preservacion  of  Greece,  by  offering  them  vittells  to  live 
withall.  The  people  approving  this  aunswere,  Aristides  then 
caused  the  Ambassadors  of  Sparta  to  come  to  the  assembly, 
and  commaunded  them  to  tell  the  Lacedaemonians  by  worde 
of  mouth,  that  all  the  golde  above,  or  under  the  grounde, 
coulde  not  corrupt  the  Athenians,  to  make  them  take  any 
summe  of  money  or  reward,  to  leave  the  defence  of  the 
liberty  of  Greece : and  to  the  herauld  that  came  from  Mar- 
donius,  he  shewed  him  the  sunne,  and  sayd  unto  him : so 
long  as  yonder  sunne  keepeth  his  course  about  the  worlde, 
so  long  will  the  Athenians  be  mortall  enemies  unto  the 
Persians,  bicause  they  have  spoyled  and  destroyed  all  their 
contry,  and  have  defiled  and  burnt  the  temples  of  their 
goddes.  Besides,  he  willed  that  the  Priestes,  by  commaunde- 
ment  of  the  people,  shoulde  excommunicate  and  curse  him 
that  woulde  procure  them  to  sende  unto  the  Persians  to 
make  peace  with  them,  and  to  breake  their  league  and 
allyance  with  the  other  Greecians.  Hereupon,  when  Mar- 
donius  came  againe  the  seconde  time  to  overrunne  the  contry 
of  Attica : the  Athenians  got  them  againe  into  the  lie  of 
Salamina,  and  then  they  sent  Aristides  Ambassador  unto  the 
Lacedaemonians.  He  sharpely  tooke  them  up,  and  reproved 
their  sloth  and  negligence,  bicause  they  had  againe  forsaken 
Athens,  and  left  it  to  the  spoyle  of  the  barbarous  people : 
and  prayed  them  yet  they  woulde  looke  to  save  the  rest  of 
Greece.  The  Ephori  (which  were  certeine  officers  that  ruled 
all  things  within  the  city  of  Sparta)  when  they  had  hearde 
Aristides  perswasions : straight  tooke  order  for  ayde,  though 
it  appeared  they  did  nothing  all  day  but  play,  and  make 
good  cheere,  keeping  that  day  one  of  their  solemne  feastes 
they  called  Hyacinthia.  Howebeit  the  next  night  following, 
they  sent  out  five  thowsande  citizens  borne  in  Sparta,  into 
the  fielde,  all  proper  men  and  valliant  souldiers,  every  one  of 
them  carying  with  him,  seven  Ilotes  (which  are  the  contry 
men  and  slaves  in  the  contrie  of  Lacedsemonia)  not  making 
2 : DDD  393 


ARISTIDES 


Aristides 
Lieutenant 
generall  of 
the  Atheni- 
ans against 
Mardonius. 

Pausanias 
king  of  Lace- 
daemon, gene- 
rall of  all 
Greece. 

Asopus  flu. 


Oracles  of 
the  victory 
of  Plataees. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

the  Ambassadors  of  Athens  privy  to  it  at  all.  Wherefore 
Aristides  came  againe  an  other  time  into  their  counsell,  to 
complaine  of  their  negligence.  But  they  fell  a laughinge, 
and  sayd  he  dreamed,  or  else  he  mocked  them : for  their 
army  which  they  had  sent  against  the  straungers  (for  so  they 
called  the  Persians)  was  already  at  the  city  of  Orestion  in 
Arcadia.  Aristides  hearing  their  aunswere,  replyed,  that 
they  were  to  blame  to  mocke  them  in  that  sorte,  to  sende 
away  their  men  so  secretly,  that  they  might  not  knowe  of  it : 
and  that  it  was  no  time  for  them  now  to  go  about  to  deceive 
their  frendes,  but  their  enemies  rather.  Idomeneus  in  his 
story  reporteth  the  matter  thus  in  every  point.  Notwith- 
standing, in  the  decree  that  was  made  to  sende  Ambassadors 
to  Sparta,  Aristides  is  not  named  for  Ambassador,  but  there 
are  other  appointed : as  Cimon,  Xanthippus,  and  Myronides. 
Afterwardes  Aristides  was  chosen  by  voyces  of  the  people, 
Lieutenant  generall  of  the  army  of  Athens,  in  this  warre 
against  the  Persians,  and  went  unto  the  campe  of  the 
Greecians  by  the  citie  of  Plataees,  with  eight  thousand e 
footemen  wel  armed  and  appointed.  There  he  found  king 
Pausanias  the  only  general  of  all  the  whole  power  and  army 
of  the  Greecians,  who  brought  with  him  the  force  of  Sparta  : 
and  there  came  daily  into  his  campe  one  after  an  other,  a 
marvelous  great  multitude  of  other  Greecians.  Now  touch- 
ing the  army  of  the  barbarous  people,  they  incamped  all 
alongest  the  river  of  Asopus : but  bicause  their  campe 
stretched  out  a marvelous  way  in  length,  they  were  not 
intrenched  at  all,  but  had  onely  fortified  a peece  of  grounde 
foure  square  with  a walle  about,  which  was  ten  furlonges  on 
every  side,  to  place  all  their  cariage  and  chiefest  thinges  in. 
And  for  the  Greecians  againe,  the  soothsayer  Tisamenus, 
borne  in  the  city  of  Elide,  had  told  Pausanias,  and  all  the 
Greecians  together,  that  they  should  have  the  victory,  so 
they  did  not  assault  at  all,  but  only  defend.  And  Aristides, 
that  had  sent  to  the  oracle  of  Apollo  at  Delphes,  in  the 
name  of  the  Athenians,  had  aunswer : they  should  overcome 
their  enemies,  so  they  did  sacrifice  and  make  speciall  prayers, 
unto  Iupiter  and  Iuno  of  mount  Cithaeron,  unto  Pan,  and 
unto  the  Nymphes  Sphragitides,  and  also  unto  the  demy 
394 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


gods,  Androcrates,  Leucon,  Pisander,  Damocrates,  Hypsion, 
Actseon,  and  Polyidus : and  so  that  they  did  hazard  battel 
also  within  their  owne  territories,  and  in  the  plaine  of  Ceres 
Eleusinian,  and  of  Proserpina.  This  oracle  troubled  Aristides 
marvelously,  bicause  the  demy  goddes  whome  they  had  com- 
maundement  to  do  sacrifice  unto,  were  the  fownders  and 
auncesters  of  the  Plataeians : and  the  cave  of  the  Nymphes 
Sphragitides,  is  one  of  the  toppes  of  mount  Cithaeron,  look- 
ing towards  the  west,  where  the  sunne  setteth  in  sommer. 
They  say  there  was  an  oracle  there  in  old  time,  whose  spirit 
possessed  many  inhabitants  thereabouts,  and  bestraught 
them  of  their  wittes : whereupon,  they  called  those  so  pos- 
sessed, Nympholepty,  as  who  would  say,  taken  with  the 
Nymphes.  And  againe  to  tel  the  Athenians  they  shoulde 
have  the  victory,  so  they  did  hazard  battell  in  the  plaine  of 
Ceres  Eleusinian,  and  within  their  owne  territorie : it  was 
even  to  sende  them  backe  againe  into  the  contry  of  Attica. 
Aristides  being  thus  perplexed,  Arimnestus  Captaine  of  the 
Plataeians,  hadde  such  a vision  in  the  night  in  his  sleepe. 
Him  thought  that  Iupiter  the  savior  did  appeare  unto  him, 
and  asked  him  what  the  Greecians  intended  to  do  ? and  that 
he  answered : my  Lord,  we  must  to  morrowe  remove  our 
campe  into  the  territories  of  Eleusin,  and  there  we  will  fight 
with  the  barbarous  people,  accordinge  to  the  commaunde- 
ment  the  oracle  Apollo  hath  geven  us.  Then  that  Iupiter 
replyed,  that  they  were  greatly  deceaved : for  all  that  Apollo 
had  declared  by  his  oracle  was  ment  within  the  territorie  of 
the  Plataeians,  and  that  they  shoulde  finde  it  true,  if  they 
considered  it  well.  Arimnestus  havinge  plainely  seene  this 
vision  in  his  sleepe,  when  he  did  awake  in  the  morning,  he 
straight  sent  for  the  oldest  citizens,  and  consideringe  with 
them  where  this  place  shoulde  be,  he  founde  at  the  length, 
that  at  the  foote  of  mount  Cithaeron,  by  the  city  of  Nysia, 
there  was  an  olde  temple  they  called  the  temple  of  Ceres 
Eleusinian,  and  of  her  daughter  Proserpina.  When  he 
hearde  them  say  so,  he  went  straight  and  tolde  Aristides 
of  it,  and  founde  that  it  was  an  excellent  place  to  set  an 
army  in  battell  raye,  that  hadde  but  fewe  horsemen : for  that 
the  foote  of  mount  Cithaeron  did  lette  the  horsemen,  they 

395  ' 


ARISTIDES 


The  Nymphes 
Sphragitides. 


Arymnestus 

dreame. 


ARISTIDES 


The  magna- 
nimity of  the 
Plataeians. 


Alexander 
the  great  doth 
honor  the 
Plataeians  for 
their  noble 
mindes. 


Strife  betwene 
the  Athenians 
and  Tegeates. 


Aristides 
wisely  paci- 
fieth  the 
mutinie. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

coulde  not  goe  to  the  place  where  the  temple  stoode,  and 
where  the  playne  and  valley  did  ende  : besides  also,  that  the 
chappell  of  Androcrates  was  even  in  that  place,  which  was 
all  hidden  with  thicke  wodde  rounde  about  it.  And  bicause 
they  shoulde  lacke  nothing  to  hinder  the  expresse  com- 
maundement  of  the  oracle  for  hope  of  victory : the  Plataeians 
(through  Arimnestus  counsell  and  advise)  made  a common 
decree,  that  the  confines  of  the  city  of  Plataees  should  be 
taken  away  towardes  Athens  side,  and  that  the  lande  thereof 
shoulde  be  geven  clearely  unto  the  Athenians,  bicause  they 
shoulde  fight  with  the  barbarous  people  in  their  owne 
lande,  for  the  defence  and  preservation  of  Greece,  accord- 
inge  to  the  commaundement  of  the  oracle.  This  noble 
gift  and  present  of  the  Plataeians  was  so  famous,  as  many 
yeares  after,  king  Alexander  the  great  having  conquered 
the  Empire  of  Asia,  built  up  the  walles  againe  of  the 
city  of  Plataees,  and  when  he  had  done,  made  a heraulde 
openly  proclaime  it  at  the  games  Olympicall:  that  Alex- 
ander hadde  done  the  Plataeians  that  honor  and  dignitie, 
for  a memoriall  and  honor  of  their  magnanimity.  Bicause 
in  the  warre  against  the  Persians,  they  had  freely  and  liberally 
geven  away  their  lande  unto  the  Athenians,  for  the  safetie 
of  the  Greecians : and  had  shewed  them  selves  of  a noble 
corage  also,  and  very  willinge  to  defende  the  state  of  Greece. 
Now  when  the  army  of  the  Greecians  came  to  be  sette  in 
order  of  battell,  there  fell  a strife  betwene  the  Athenians 
and  the  Tegeates,  bicause  the  Athenians  would  nedes  (ac- 
cording to  their  old  custome)  have  the  left  wing  of  the 
battell,  if  the  Lacedaemonians  had  the  right  winge  : and  the 
Tegeates  on  the  contrary  parte,  woulde  have  the  prehemin- 
ence  before  the  Athenians,  alleaging  the  famous  acts  and 
notable  service  of  their  auncesters  in  former  warres,  where- 
upon the  Athenians  did  mutine.  But  Aristides  stept  be- 
twene them,  and  told  them,  that  it  was  no  time  now  to 
contende  with  the  Tegeates  about  their  nobility  and  valliant- 
nesse : and  as  for  you,  my  Lords  of  Sparta,  sayed  he,  and 
you  also  my  maisters  of  Greece : we  tell  you,  that  the  place 
neither  geveth  nor  taketh  vertue  away,  and  we  doe  assure 
you  that  wheresoever  you  place  us,  we  will  so  defend  and 
396 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


kepe  it,  as  we  will  not  impayre  nor  blemish  the  honor  we 
have  wonne  in  former  foughten  battells,  and  gotten  victories. 
For  we  are  not  come  hither  to  quarell  and  fall  out  with  our 
trends,  but  to  fight  with  our  common  enemies : nor  to  bragge 
of  our  ancesters  doings,  but  to  show  our  selves  valliant  in 
defence  of  al  Greece.  For  this  battail  wil  make  good  proofe 
to  all  the  Greecians,  how  much  estimacion  every  city,  every 
Captaine,  and  particular  person  wil  deserve  for  his  parte. 
When  Aristides  had  spoken,  the  Captaines  and  all  other  of 
the  counsel  concluded  in  favor  of  the  Athenians,  that  they 
should  have  one  of  the  winges  of  the  battell.  But  by  this 
meanes,  all  Greece  stoode  in  marvelous  garboyle  at  that 
time,  and  the  state  of  the  Athenians  specially  in  great 
daunger.  For  a number  of  the  noblest  citizens  of  Athens. 
And  that  brought  great  substance  with  them  to  the  warres, 
being  now  at  low  state,  and  in  poverty,  their  goods  being 
spent  and  gone,  and  seeing  them  selves  discountenanced,  not 
bearing  that  rule  and  authority  in  the  common  wealth  they 
were  wont  to  do,  bicause  other  were  called  to  authority,  and 
preferred  to  the  offices  of  the  citie  : they  gathered  together, 
and  met  at  a house  in  the  city  of  Plataees,  and  there  con- 
spyred  to  overthrow  the  authority  of  the  people  at  Athens  : 
and  if  they  could  not  obtaine  their  purpose,  then  that  they 
would  rather  loose  all,  and  betray  their  contry  unto  the 
barbarous  people.  While  these  thinges  were  practised  in 
the  campe,  many  beinge  of  the  conspiracy,  Aristides  came 
to  an  Incklinge  of  it,  and  was  marvelously  afrayed,  bicause 
of  the  time:  wherefore  he  beganne  to  be  carefull  of  the 
matter,  being  of  such  importance  as  it  was,  and  yet  would 
not  be  curious  to  understand  the  whole  conspiracy,  litle 
knowing  what  a number  might  be  drawen  into  this  treason, 
if  it  were  narrowly  looked  into,  but  rather  respected  that 
which  was  just,  then  what  was  profitable  for  the  time.  So 
he  caused  eight  person es  only  of  the  great  number  to  be 
apprehended,  and  of  these  eight,  the  two  first  whom  they 
would  have  indited  as  principalles,  and  were  most  to  be 
burdened  for  the  conspiracy,  iEschines  of  the  towne  of 
Lampra,  and  Egesias  of  the  towne  of  Acharna,  they  founde 
meanes  to  flie  out  of  the  campe,  and  to  save  themselves. 

397 


ARISTIDES 


The  con- 
spiracy of 
the  rich 
noble  men 
of  Athens. 


ARISTIDES 


Mount 

Cithaeron. 


Masistius 
generall  of 
the  horsemen 
of  the  Per- 
sians. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

And  for  the  other,  Aristides  set  them  at  liberty,  and  gave 
them  occasion  that  were  not  discovered,  to  be  bold,  and  to 
repent  them  of  their  follies  : saying,  that  the  battell  should 
be  their  judge,  where  they  should  purge  them  selves  of  all 
accusations  layed  against  them,  and  show  the  world  also,  that 
they  never  had  any  other  intencion  but  honest,  and  good, 
towards  their  contry.  Mardonius,  to  prove  the  corage  of 
the  Greecians,  had  sent  all  his  horsemen,  (wherein  he  was 
farre  stronger  then  the  Greecians)  to  skirmish  with  them. 
Who  were  lodged  at  the  foote  of  mount  Cithaeron,  in  strong 
places  and  full  of  stones,  saving  the  three  thowsande  Mega- 
rians,  that  camped  in  the  plaine : by  reason  whereof,  they 
were  sore  troubled  and  hurt,  by  the  horsemen  of  the  bar- 
barous people  that  sette  uppon  them  on  every  side,  for  they 
might  charge  them  where  they  woulde.  Insomuch,  in  the 
ende,  perceivinge  they  alone  could  no  longer  resist  the  force 
of  so  great  a multitude  of  the  barbarous  people : they  sent 
with  all  speede  possible  to  Pausanias,  to  pray  him  to  send 
them  present  aide.  Pausanias  hearing  this  newes,  and  see- 
ing in  his  owne  sight  the  campe  of  the  Megarians  almost 
all  covered  with  shot  and  dartes  which  the  barbarous  people 
threw  at  them,  and  that  they  were  compelled  to  stand  close 
together  in  a litle  corner : he  wist  not  what  to  do.  For,  to 
go  thither  in  person  with  the  Lacedaemonians  that  were 
footemen  heavy  armed,  he  thought  that  was  no  way  to  help 
them.  So  he  proved  to  put  some  ambitious  desire  and  envy 
of  honor,  among  the  private  Captaines  and  generalls  of  the 
army  of  the  other  Greecians,  which  were  then  about  him : 
to  see  if  he  coulde  move  any  mans  corage  and  desire,  to  offer 
him  selfe  willingly  to  goe  aide  the  Megarians.  Howebeit 
they  had  all  deafe  eares,  but  Aristides : who  promised  to  go 
in  the  name  of  the  Athenians,  and  brought  Olympiodorus 
into  the  fielde,  (one  of  the  valliantest  Captaines  that  served 
under  him)  with  his  company  of  three  hundred  chosen  men, 
and  certaine  shot  mingled  amongest  them.  These  souldiers 
were  ready  in  a moment,  and  marched  straight  in  battell 
ray,  a great  pace  towards  the  barbarous  people.  Masistius, 
that  was  generall  of  the  horsemen  of  the  Persians,  a goodly 
tall  man,  perceiving  their  comming  towards  him  : turned  his 
398 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

horse,  and  gallopped  to  them.  The  Athenians  taried  him,  ARISTIDES 

and  kept  their  ground,  and  the  encounter  was  very  hotte, 

bicause  both  the  one  and  the  other  side  did  the  best  they 

could  at  this  first  onset  to  put  the  rest  of  the  battell  in 

jeopardy:  and  they  fought  so  long,  that  Masistius  horse 

was  shot  through  the  body  with  an  arrow,  that  put  him  to 

such  paine,  as  he  never  lin  flinging,  till  he  cast  his  maister 

on  the  ground,  armed  as  he  was  at  all  peces.  So  being  on 

the  ground,  he  could  not  rise  againe,  as  well  for  the  waight 

of  his  armor,  as  for  that  the  Athenians  came  so  sodainely 

upon  him.  And  notwithstanding  there  were  many  about 

him  to  hew  him  in  peces,  yet  they  could  find  no  way  how  to 

kill  him,  he  was  so  throughly  armed  and  loden  with  gold, 

copper,  and  iron,  not  only  uppon  his  body  and  his  heade, 

but  also  on  his  legges  and  armes : untill  at  the  length  there 

was  one  that  thrust  the  head  of  his  dart  through  his  bever, 

and  so  killed  him.  The  Persians  perceiving  that,  fled  im-  Masistius 

mediatly,  and  forsooke  the  body  of  their  generall.  Shortly  syJ?'lIie 

after  it  appeared  to  the  Greecians  that  they  had  sped  well  enians. 

at  this  skirmishe,  not  bicause  they  had  slaine  many  enemies, 

but  for  the  great  lamentacion  the  barbarous  people  made 

for  the  losse  of  Masistius.  For  his  death  did  so  greve  them, 

that  they  powled  themselves,  they  clipped  of  their  horse  and 

moyles  heares,  and  filled  besides  all  the  field  therabouts  with 

pitiefull  cries  and  shreekes,  as  those  that  had  lost  the  val- 

liantest  and  chiefest  man  of  authority  of  all  their  campe, 

next  unto  Mardonius  the  kings  Lieutenant.  After  this  first 

skirmish,  both  the  one  and  the  other  side  kept  their  campe, 

and  would  not  come  into  the  field  many  dayes  after : for  the 

Soothsayers  did  promise  both  sides  the  victory,  as  much  the 

Persians,  as  the  Greecians,  so  they  did  but  onely  defend : 

and  contrarywise,  they  did  threaten  them  to  be  overthrowen, 

that  did  assault.  But  Mardonius  finding  vittells  waxed 

scant,  and  that  they  were  stored  but  for  few  dayes,  and 

moreover  how  the  Greecians  daily  grewe  stronger  by  con- 

tinuall  repayre  to  their  campe,  the  lenger  he  delayed  : in 

the  end  he  resolved  to  tary  no  lenger,  but  to  passe  the  river 

of  Asopus  the  next  morning  by  breake  of  day,  and  sodainly 

to  set  apon  the  Greecians.  So  he  gave  the  Captaines  warn- 

399 


ARISTIDES 


Alexander 
kinge  of  Ma- 
cedon,  reveal - 
eth  the  Per- 
sians secrete 
counsell  unto 
Aristides. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

ing  the  night  before  what  they  should  do,  bicause  every  man 
should  be  redy : but  about  midnight  there  came  a horseman 
without  any  noyse  at  all,  so  neere  to  the  Greecians  campe, 
that  he  spake  to  the  watch e,  and  told  them  he  would  speake 
with  Aristides,  generall  of  the  Athenians.  Aristides  was 
called  for  straight,  and  when  he  came  to  him,  the  horseman 
said  unto  Aristides  : I am  Alexander  king  of  Macedon,  who 
for  the  love  and  great  good  will  I beare  you,  have  put  my 
self  in  the  greatest  daunger  that  may  be,  to  come  at  this 
present  time  to  advertise  you,  that  to  morrow  morning 
Mardonius  will  give  you  battel : bicause  your  enemies  sodaine 
comming  apon  you,  should  not  make  you  afrayd,  being 
sodainly  charged,  and  should  not  hinder  also  your  valliant 
fightinge.  For  it  is  no  new  hope  that  is  come  to  Mardonius, 
that  makes  him  to  fight : but  only  scarcety  of  vittells  that 
forceth  him  to  do  it,  considering  that  the  prognosticators 
are  all  against  it  that  he  should  geve  you  battel,  both  by 
reason  of  the  il  tokens  of  their  sacrifices,  as  also  by  the 
aunswers  of  their  oracles,  which  hath  put  all  the  armie  in  a 
marvelous  feare,  and  stande  in  no  good  hope  at  all.  Thus 
he  is  forced  to  putte  all  at  adventure,  or  else  if  he  will 
needes  lye  still,  to  be  starved  to  death  for  very  famine. 
After  king  Alexander  hadde  imparted  this  secrete  to  Aris- 
tides, he  prayed  him  to  keepe  it  to  him  selfe,  and  to  re- 
member it  in  time  to  come.  Aristides  aunswered  him  then, 
that  it  was  no  reason  he  shoulde  keepe  a matter  of  so  great 
importance  as  that,  from  Pausanias,  who  was  their  Lieutenant 
generall  of  the  whole  armie : notwithstandinge,  he  promised 
him  he  woulde  tell  it  no  man  else  before  the  battell,  and  that  if 
the  goddes  gave  the  Greecians  the  victorie,  he  did  assure  him, 
they  should  all  acknowledge  his  great  favor  and  good  will 
shewed  unto  them.  After  they  hadde  talked  thus  together, 
kinge  Alexander  left  him,  and  returned  backe  againe : and  Aris- 
tides also  went  immediatly  to  Pausanias  tent,  and  tolde  him 
the  talke  kinge  Alexander  and  he  hadde  together.  Thereupon 
the  private  Captaines  were  sent  for  straight  to  counsaill,  and 
there  order  was  geven,  that  every  manne  shoulde  have  his 
bandes  ready,  for  they  shoulde  fight  in  the  morninge.  So 
Pausanias  at  that  time  (as  Herodotus  wryteth)  sayed  unto 
400 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

Aristides,  that  he  woulde  remove  the  Athenians  from  the  left  ARISTIDES 
to  the  right  winge,  bicause  they  shoulde  have  the  Persians 
them  selves  right  before  them,  and  that  they  shoulde  fight 
so  much  the  lustier,  both  for  that  they  were  acquainted  with 
their  fight,  as  also  bicause  they  hadde  overcommed  them 
before  in  the  first  encounter : and  that  him  selfe  would  take 
the  left  winge  of  the  battell,  where  he  shoulde  encounter  with 
the  Greecians  that  fought  on  the  Persians  side.  But  when 
all  the  other  private  Captaines  of  the  Athenians  understoode 
it,  they  were  marvelous  angrie  with  Pausanias,  and  sayed 
he  did  them  wronge,  and  hadde  no  reason  to  lette  all  the 
other  Grecians  keepe  their  place  where  they  were  alwayes 
appointed,  and  onely  to  remove  them,  as  if  they  were  slaves, 
to  be  appointed  at  his  pleasure,  now  of  one  side,  then  of  the 
other,  and  to  sette  them  to  fight  with  the  valliantest  souldiers 
they  had  of  all  their  enemies.  Then  sayed  Aristides  to 
them,  that  they  knewe  not  what  they  sayed,  and  how  before 
they  misliked,  and  did  strive  with  the  Tegeates,  onely  for 
havinge  the  left  wing  of  the  battell,  and  when  it  was 
graunted,  they  thought  them  selves  greatly  honored  that 
they  were  preferred  before  them,  by  order  of  the  Captaines : 
and  nowe  where  the  Lacedaemonians  were  willing  of  them 
selves  to  geve  them  the  place  of  the  right  winge,  and  did 
in  maner  offer  them  the  preheminence  of  the  whole  armie : 
they  do  not  thankefully  take  the  honor  offered  them,  nor 
yet  doe  recken  of  the  vantage  and  benefitte  geven  them  to 
fight  against  the  Persians  selves,  their  auncient  enemies,  and 
not  against  their  natural  contry  men  anciently  discended  of 
them.  When  Aristides  had  used  all  these  perswasions  unto 
them,  they  were  very  well  contented  to  chaunge  place  with 
the  Lacedaemonians : and  then  all  the  talke  amonge  them 
was  to  encorage  one  an  other,  and  to  tell  them  that  the 
Persians  that  came  against  them,  had  no  better  hartes  nor 
weapons,  then  those  whom  they  before  hadde  overcome,  in 
the  plaine  of  Marathon.  For  sayed  they,  they  have  the 
same  bowes,  the  same  riche  imbrodered  gownes,  the  same 
golden  chaines  and  carcanettes  of  womanishe  persones,  hang- 
ing on  their  cowardly  bodies  and  faint  hartes  : where  we  have 
also  the  same  weapons  and  bodies  we  hadde,  and  our  hartes 
2 : EEE  401 


ARISTIDES 


The  treason 
of  the  The- 
bans. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

more  lively  and  coragious  then  before,  through  the  sundrie 
victories  we  have  since  gotten  of  them.  Further,  we  have 
this  advantage  more.  That  we  doe  not  fight  as  our  other 
confederates  the  Greecians  do,  for  our  city  and  contry 
onely,  but  also  to  continewe  the  fame  and  renowme  of  our 
former  noble  service,  which  we  wanne  at  the  jomeys  of 
Marathon  and  of  Salamina : to  the  ende  the  worlde  shoulde 
not  thinke  that  the  glory  of  these  triumphes  and  victories 
was  due  unto  Miltiades  onely,  or  unto  fortune,  but  unto  the 
corage  and  worthinesse  of  the  Athenians.  Thus  were  the 
Greecians  throughly  occupied  to  chaunge  the  order  of  their 
battell  in  hast.  The  Thebans  on  the  other  side  that  tooke 
parte  with  Mardonius,  receiving  intelligence  of  the  alter- 
inge  of  their  battell,  by  traytors  that  ranne  betwene  both 
campes  : they  straight  tolde  Mardonius  of  it.  He  thereupon 
did  sodainly  also  chaunge  the  order  of  his  battell,  and  placed 
the  Persians  from  the  right  winge  to  the  left  winge  of  his 
enemies : either  bicause  he  was  afrayed  of  the  Athenians,  or 
else  for  greater  glorie  that  he  hadde  a desire  to  fight  with 
the  Lacedaemonians,  and  commaunded  the  Greecians  that 
tooke  his  parte,  that  they  shoulde  fight  against  the  Athenians. 
This  alteracion  was  so  openly  done,  that  everie  manne  might 
see  it : whereuppon  Pausanias  removed  the  Lacedaemonians 
againe,  and  sette  them  in  the  right  winge.  Mardonius  see- 
inge  that,  removed  the  Persians  againe  from  the  left  winge, 
and  brought  them  to  the  right  winge  (where  they  were 
before)  against  the  Lacedaemonians : and  thus  they  consumed 
all  that  day  in  chaunginge  their  men  to  and  fro.  So  the 
Captaines  of  the  Greecians  sate  in  counsel  at  night,  and 
there  they  agreed,  that  they  must  nedes  remove  their  campe, 
and  lodge  in  some  other  place  where  they  might  have  water 
at  commaundement : bicause  their  enemies  did  continually 
trouble  and  spoyle  that  water  they  had  about  them,  with 
their  horses.  Now  when  night  came,  the  Captaines  woulde 
have  marched  away  with  their  men,  to  go  to  the  lodginge 
they  had  appointed : but  the  people  went  very  ill  willinge 
to  it,  and  they  hadde  much  a do  to  keepe  them  together. 
For  they  were  no  sooner  out  of  the  trenches  and  fortifica- 
tion of  their  campe,  but  the  most  parte  of  them  ranne  to 
402 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


the  citie  of  Plataees,  and  were  marvelously  out  of  order,  dis- 
persing them  selves  here  and  there,  and  set  up  their  tents 
where  they  thought  good,  before  the  places  were  appointed 
for  them : and  there  were  none  that  taried  behinde,  but 
the  Lacedaemonians  onely,  and  that  was  against  their  willes. 
For  one  of  their  Captaines  called  Amompharetus,  a mar- 
velous hardie  man,  that  feared  no  daunger,  and  longed  sore 
for  battell : he  was  in  such  a rage  with  these  triflinge  delayes, 
that  he  cried  it  out  in  the  campe,  that  this  removinge  was 
a goodly  runninge  away,  and  sware  he  woulde  not  from 
thence,  but  woulde  there  tary  Mardonius  comminge  with  his 
companie.  Pausanias  went  to  him,  and  tolde  him  he  must 
doe  that  the  other  Greecians  hadde  consented  to  in  counsell, 
by  most  voyces.  But  Amompharetus  tooke  a great  stone  in 
his  handes,  and  threw  it  downe  at  Pausanias  feete,  and  told 
him  there  is  the  signe  I geve  to  conclude  battel,  and  I passe 
not  for  all  your  cowardly  conclusions.  Amompharetus  stub- 
bornnesse  did  so  amaze  Pausanias,  that  he  was  at  his  wittes 
ende.  So  he  sent  unto  the  Athenians  that  were  onwardes 
on  their  way,  to  pray  them  to  tary  for  him,  that  they  might 
goe  together : and  therewithall  made  the  rest  of  his  menne 
to  marche  towardes  the  citie  of  Plataees,  supposinge  thereby 
to  have  drawen  Amompharetus  to  have  followed  him,  or  else 
he  ment  to  remaine  alone  behinde.  But  in  triflinge  thus, 
the  day  brake : and  Mardonius  understandinge  that  the 
Greecians  did  forsake  their  first  lodging,  he  made  his  army 
presently  marche  in  battell  ray  to  sette  apon  the  Lacedae- 
monians. So  the  barbarous  people  made  great  showtes  and 
cries,  not  thinking  to  goe  fight,  but  to  goe  sacke  and  spoyle 
the  Greecians  flyinge  away,  as  in  deede  they  did  litle  better. 
For,  Pausanias  seeinge  the  countenaunce  of  his  enemies,  made 
his  ensignes  to  stay,  and  commaunded  every  man  to  prepare 
to  fight : but  he  forgate  to  geve  the  Greecians  the  signall  of 
the  battell,  either  for  the  anger  he  tooke  against  Amom- 
pharetus, or  for  the  sodayne  onset  of  the  enemies,  which 
made  them  that  they  came  not  in  straight,  nor  altogether 
to  the  battell  after  it  was  begonne,  but  stragglinge  in  small 
companies,  some  here,  and  some  there.  In  the  meane  time, 
Pausanias  was  busie  in  sacrificinge  to  the  goddes,  and  seeinge 

403 


ARISTIDES 


The  stubborn- 
nes  of  Amom- 
pharetus Cap- 
taine  of  the 
Lacedaemo- 
nians. 


The  battell  of 
the  Greecians, 
with  the  Per- 
sians, at  the 
city  of  Pla- 
taees. 


ARISTIDES 


Callicrates 
slaine  with- 
out fighting. 


Note  the  obe- 
dience of  the 
Spartan  soul- 
diers  unto 
death. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

that  the  first  sacrifices  were  not  acceptable  unto  them,  by 
the  Soothsayers  observations  they  made : he  commaunded 
the  Spartans  to  throwe  their  targettes  at  their  feete,  and 
not  to  sturre  out  of  their  places,  but  onely  to  doe  as  he  bad 
them,  without  resistinge  their  enemies.  When  he  hadde 
geven  this  straight  order,  he  went  againe  and  did  sacrifice, 
when  the  horsemen  of  the  enemies  were  at  handey  and  that 
their  arrowes  flewe  amongest  the  thickest  of  the  Lacedae- 
monians, and  did  hurte  diverse  of  them,  and  specially  poore 
Callicrates  amonge  the  rest,  that  was  one  of  the  goodliest 
menne  in  all  the  Greecians  hoste  and  armie.  He  having  his 
deathes  wounde  with  an  arrow,  before  he  gave  uppe  the 
ghost,  sayed  his  death  did  not  greve  him,  bicause  he  came 
out  of  his  contrie  to  dye  for  the  defence  of  Greece : but  it 
greved  him  to  dye  so  cowardly,  havinge  geven  the  enemie 
never  a blowe.  His  death  was  marvelous  lamentable,  and 
the  constancy  of  the  Spartans  wonderfull : for  they  never 
stirred  out  of  their  places,  nor  made  any  countenaunce  to 
defende  them  selves  against  their  enemies  that  came  apon 
them,  but  suffred  them  selves  to  be  thrust  through  with 
arrowes,  and  slaine  in  the  field,  lookinge  for  the  houre  the 
goddes  would  appoint  them,  and  that  their  Captaine  would 
commaunde  them  to  fight.  Some  wryte  also,  that  as  Pau- 
sanias  was  at  his  prayers,  and  doing  sacrifice  unto  the  goddes 
a litle  behinde  the  battell,  certeine  of  the  Lydians  came  apon 
him,  and  overthrew  and  tooke  away  all  his  sacrifice:  and 
how  Pausanias,  and  those  that  were  about  him,  (havinge 
no  other  weapons  in  their  handes)  drave  them  awaye  with 
force  of  staves  and  whippes.  In  memorie  whereof,  they  saye 
there  is  a solemne  procession  kept  at  Sparta  on  that  daye, 
which  they  call  the  Lydians  procession,  where  they  whippe 
and  beate  younge  boyes  about  the  aulter.  Then  was  Pau- 
sanias in  great  distresse,  to  see  the  Priestes  offer  sacrifice 
uppon  sacrifice,  and  that  not  one  of  them  pleased  the  goddes : 
at  the  last  he  turned  his  eyes  to  the  temple  of  Iuno,  and 
wept,  and  holdinge  up  his  handes,  besought  Iuno  Cithaeron, 
and  all  the  other  goddes,  (patrones  and  protectors  of  the 
contry  of  the  Plataeians)  that  if  it  were  not  the  will  of  the 
goddes  the  Greecians  shoulde  have  the  victorie,  yet  that  the 
404 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

conquerors  at  the  least  should  buie  their  deathes  dearely, 
and  that  they  shoulde  finde  they  fought  against  valliant 
men  and  worthy  souldiers.  Pausanias  had  no  sooner  ended 
his  prayer,  but  the  sacrifices  fell  out  very  favorable,  insomuch 
the  Priestes  and  Soothsayers  came  to  promise  him  victory. 
Thereupon,  he  straight  gave  commaundement  to  march 
toward  the  enemy,  which  flew  from  man  to  man  incontinently 
how  they  shoulde  march.  So  as  he  that  hadde  seene  the 
Squadron  of  the  Lacedaemonians,  would  have  said  it  had 
bene  like  the  body  of  a fierce  beast  raising  up  his  bristels, 
preparing  to  fight.  Then  the  barbarous  people  saw  they 
shoulde  have  a hotte  battel,  and  that  they  should  mete  with 
men  that  would  fight  it  out  to  the  death : wherefore  they 
covered  their  bodies  with  great  targets  after  the  Persian 
facion,  and  bestowed  their  arrowes  lustely  apon  the  Lacedae- 
monians. But  they  keeping  close  together,  and  coveringe 
them  selves  with  their  shieldes,  marched  on  stil  apon  them, 
untill  they  came  to  joyne  with  the  enemy  so  lustely,  that 
they  made  their  targets  flie  out  of  their  hands,  with  the 
terrible  thrustes  and  blowes  of  their  pikes  and  speares  apon 
their  breastes,  and  overthwart  their  faces,  that  they  slew 
many  of  them,  and  layed  them  on  the  grounde.  For  all 
that,  they  dyed  not  cowardly,  but  tooke  the  Lacedaemonians 
pikes  and  speares  in  their  bare  hands,  and  brake  them  in  two 
by  strength  of  their  armes : and  then  they  quickely  pluckt 
out  their  cimeters  and  axes,  and  lustely  layed  about  them, 
and  wrong  the  Lacedaemonians  shields  out  of  their  hands  by 
force,  and  fought  it  out  with  them  a great  while  hand  to  hand. 
Now,  whilest  the  Lacedaemonians  were  busily  fighting  with 
the  barbarous  people,  the  Athenians  stoode  still  imbattelled 
farre  of,  and  kept  their  ground.  But  when  they  saw  the 
Lacedaemonians  tary  so  long,  and  that  they  came  not,  and 
heard  a marvelous  noyse  of  men  as  though  they  were  fighting, 
and  besides  that  there  came  a speedy  messenger  unto  them 
sent  from  Pausanias,  to  let  them  understand  they  were  fighting : 
then  they  marched  with  all  speede  they  could  to  help  them. 
But  as  they  were  comming  on  a great  pace  over  the  playne, 
unto  that  parte  where  they  heard  the  noyse  : the  Greecians 
that  were  on  Mardonius  side  came  against  them.  Aristides 

405 


ARISTIDES 


Battaill  be- 
twixt the 
Greecians  and 
Persians. 


ARISTIDES 


TheGreecians 
victorie  of 
the  Persians 
at  Plataees. 


Mardonius 
slaine  of 
Arimnestus 
a Spartan, 
with  a blow 
of  a stone. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

seeing  them  comming  towards  them,  went  a good  way  before 
his  company,  and  cried  out  as  loude  as  he  could  for  life,  and 
conjured  the  Greecians  in  the  name  of  the  gods,  the  pro- 
tectors of  Greece,  to  leave  of  these  warres,  and  not  to  trouble 
the  Athenians  that  were  going  to  helpe  them  that  ventured 
their  lives,  to  defend  the  common  wealth  and  safety  of  all 
Greece.  But  when  he  saw  they  would  nedes  fight  for  any 
request  and  conjuration  he  could  use,  and  that  they  came 
still  apon  him,  bending  them  selves  to  give  charge  : then  he 
stayed  his  going  to  relieve  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  was  com- 
pelled to  make  head  against  those  that  set  apon  him  and  his 
company,  they  beinge  about  fifty  thousand  men,  of  the 
which,  the  most  parte  notwithstanding  went  their  waies,  and 
left  the  army,  specially  when  they  understoode  the  Persians 
were  overthrowen  and  fled.  The  fury  of  the  battell,  and 
cruellest  fight  (as  they  say)  was  where  the  Thebans  were  : 
bicause  the  nobility  and  chiefest  men  of  the  contry  fought 
very  earnestly  for  the  Persians,  but  the  people  refused,  being 
led  by  a smal  nomber  of  the  nobility  that  commaunded 
them.  So  they  fought  that  day  in  two  places,  the  Lacedae- 
monians being  the  first  that  overthrew  the  Persians,  and 
made  them  flie : and  they  slue  Mardonius  the  kings  lieu- 
tenant, with  a blow  of  a stone  one  Arimnestus  a Spartan  gave 
him  apon  his  head,  rightly  as  the  oracle  of  Amphiaraus  had 
prophecied  before  unto  him.  For  Mardonius  before  the  battel 
had  sent  thither  a Lydian,  and  a Carian,  unto  the  oracle  of 
Trophonius,  of  the  which,  the  prophet  made  answere  unto 
the  Carian,  in  the  Carian  tonge  : and  the  man  of  Lydia  lay 
within  the  sanctuary  of  Amphiaraus,  where  he  thought  in  his 
dreame  that  one  of  the  priestes  of  the  temple  willed  him  to 
go  out  of  the  place  he  was  in,  and  he  denying  it,  the  Priest 
tooke  up  a great  stone  and  threw  it  at  his  head,  and  so 
thought  he  was  slaine  with  the  blow.  And  thus  it  is  written. 
And  furthermore,  the  Lacedaemonians  did  chase  the  Persians 
flying,  into  their  fortification  they  had  in  a wodde : and  the 
Athenians  also  shortly  after  overthrew  the  Thebans  wherof 
they  slue  in  the  field,  a three  hundred  of  the  noblest  and 
chiefest  of  them.  For  even  as  the  Thebans  began  to  turne 
tayle,  newes  came  unto  the  Athenians,  that  the  Persians  had 
406 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

intrenched  them  selves  within  their  forte  and  strength  in  the  ARISTIDES 
wodde,  where  the  Lacedaemonians  did  besiege  them.  The 
Athenians  suffered  the  Greecians  that  fled  to  save  them 
selves,  and  they  went  to  help  the  Lacedaemonians,  to  take 
the  forte  of  the  barbarous  people : who  went  before  but 
slenderly  about  it,  bicause  they  had  no  experience  to  make 
an  assault,  nor  force  upon  a walle.  But  so  soone  as  the 
Athenians  came  into  them,  they  straight  tooke  it  by  assault, 
and  made  great  slaughter  of  the  Persians  and  barbarous 
people.  For  of  three  hundred  thowsand  fighting  men  that  Two  hundred 
Mardonius  had  in  his  campe,  there  were  saved  only  but  forty  and  three 
thowsand  led  under  Artabazus:  and  of  the  Greecians  side,  and  Persians 
there  were  not  slaine  above  thirtene  hundred  and  three  score  siain. 
in  all,  amongst  which  also  there  were  two  and  fifty  Athenians,  A thowsande 
all  of  the  tribe  of  ^Eantides,  the  which  had  done  more  three  hun- 
valliantly  that  day,  then  any  other  tribe,  as  Clidemus  threescore 
writeth.  And  this  is  the  cause  why  the  iEantides  made  Greecians 
a solemne  sacrifice  unto  the  Nymphes  Sphragitides,  at  the  slaine. 
common  charge,  according  to  the  order  geven  them  by 
the  oracle  of  Apollo,  to  geve  them  thankes  for  this  victorie. 

Of  the  Lacedaemonians  there  dyed  foure  score  and  eleven : 
and  of  the  Tegeates,  sixteene.  But  I marvell  Herodotus 
sayth,  that  none  but  these  people  onely  fought  in  that  jorney 
against  the  barbarous  nation,  and  no  other  Greecians  besides  : 
for  the  number  of  the  dead  bodies,  and  their  graves  also  do 
shewe,  that  it  was  a generall  victorie  and  exployte  of  all  the 
Greecians  together.  And  moreover,  if  there  had  beene  but 
these  three  people  onely  that  hadde  fought  against  them, 
and  that  all  the  rest  had  stoode  and  looked  on,  and  done 
nothinge : sure  there  had  bene  no  such  epigramme  as  this, 
engraven  apon  the  alter  or  tombe  that  was  set  up  in  the 
place  of  the  battell. 

When  the  victorious  Greekes,  had  driven  out  of  their  lande, 

the  Persians  by  force  of  armes,  which  long  did  them  withstande, 

they  built  to  mighty  love,  this  holy  aulter  here, 

and  made  it  commog  for  all  Greece,  as  plainly  may  appeare. 

in  Guerdon  of  the  good,  which  he  did  them  restore, 

in  Guerdon  of  their  liberty,  which  liked  them  evermore. 

This  battell  was  fought  the  fourth  day  of  the  moneth 

407 


ARISTIDES 


Strife  betwixt 
the  Athenians 
and  Lacedae- 
monians for 
honor  of  the 
victory. 


Corinthe  the 
third  city  of 
estimation  in 
Greece. 

Sparta. 

Athens. 

Corinthe. 

The  Grecians 
graunt  the 
honor  of  the 
victory  unto 
the  Plataeians. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

which  the  Athenians  call  Boedromion,  that  is,  about  the 
moneth  of  Iuly,  or  after  the  Boeotians  accompt,  the  six 
and  twenty  of  the  moneth,  they  call  Panemus,  on  which 
day  there  is  yet  kept  a common  assembly  of  the  estates  of 
Greece,  in  the  cities  of  Plataees,  where  the  Plataeians  make  a 
solemne  sacrifice  unto  Iupiter,  protector  of  their  libertie,  to 
geve  him  thankes  alwayes  for  this  victorie.  It  is  no  marvaill 
that  there  was  such  difference  then  betwixt  the  monethes 
and  dayes,  consideringe  that  even  nowe  when  astronomie  is 
more  perfectly  understanded,  then  it  was  then  : some  do  yet 
beginne  and  ende  their  monethes  at  one  day,  and  some  at  an 
other.  After  this  great  battel  and  overthrow  of  the  bar- 
barous people,  there  rose  great  strife  betwixt  the  Athenians, 
and  the  Lacedaemonians,  touching  the  reward  and  honor 
of  the  victorie.  For  the  Athenians  would  not  geve  place 
unto  the  Lacedaemonians,  nor  suffer  them  to  set  up  any 
tokens  or  signes  of  triumphe.  Whereupon  the  Greecians 
running  to  armes  in  mutinie  together,  by  this  occasion  they 
had  almost  spoyled  one  an  other : had  not  Aristides  through 
his  wisedom  and  wise  perswasions,  stayed,  and  quieted  the 
other  Captaines  his  companions,  and  specially  one  Leocrates 
and  Myronides,  whom  he  wanne  with  such  discrete  and 
gentle  words,  that  they  were  contented  to  referre  it  wholly 
unto  arbitrement  and  judgement  of  the  other  people  of 
Greece.  So  the  Greecians  met  in  the  same  place  together, 
purposely  to  decide  their  controversie.  In  this  counsell 
holden  there,  Theogiton  a Captaine  of  the  Megarians,  sayd 
for  his  opinion,  that  to  avoide  the  civill  warre  might  growe 
betwene  the  Greecians  apon  this  quarrell : he  thought  it 
very  requisite,  to  appoint  over  the  reward  and  honor  of  this 
victorie,  unto  some  other  city,  then  to  any  of  the  two  that 
fell  out  about  it.  After  him  rose  up  Cleocritus,  Corinthian, 
seeming  to  every  man  there  that  he  woulde  have  requested 
this  honor  for  the  cittie  of  Corinthe,  beinge  in  deede  the 
thirde  cittie  in  estimacion  of  all  Greece,  next  unto  Sparta  and 
Athens  : howbeit  he  made  an  oration  in  commendacion  of  the 
Plataeians,  which  was  marvelously  liked,  and  well  thought  of 
of  every  man.  For  his  opinion  went  flatly  with  the  Plataeians, 
that  to  ende  this  strife,  they  should  geve  the  honor  of  this 
408 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

victorie  unto  the  citie  of  Plataees,  and  so  woulde  neither  of  ARISTIDES 
both  parties  be  angrie  that  they  shoulde  be  honored.  Apon 
his  wordes,  Aristides  first  agreed  on  the  Athenians  behalfe, 
and  then  Pausanias  for  the  Lacedaemonians,  that  the  Pla- 
taeians  should  have  the  reward.  Now  they  both  beinge 
agreed,  before  the  spoyle  was  devided  betwene  them,  they 
sette  aside  foure  score  talentes  that  were  geven  to  the 
Plataeians,  with  the  which  they  built  a temple  unto  Minerva, 
and  gave  her  an  image,  and  sett  out  all  her  temple  with 
pictures  that  remaine  whole  untill  this  day : and  the  Lace- 
daemonians notwithstanding,  did  set  up  their  tokens  of 
victorie  by  them  selves,  and  the  Athenians  theirs  also  by 
them  selves.  So,  they  sending  unto  the  oracle  of  Apollo  in 
the  city  of  Delphes,  to  know  unto  what  gods,  and  how  they 
should  do  sacrifice : Apollo  aunswered  them  that  they  shoulde 
builde  up  an  aulter  unto  Iupiter,  protector  of  their  libertie, 
howbeit  that  they  shoulde  put  no  sacrifice  upon  it,  untill 
they  had  first  put  out  all  the  fier  through  the  whole  contrie, 
bicause  it  had  bene  polluted  and  defiled  by  the  barbarous 
people : and  then,  that  they  shoulde  fetche  pure  and  cleane 
fyre  at  the  common  aulter,  whereon  they  doe  sacrifice  unto 
Apollo  Pythias,  in  the  city  of  Delphes.  This  aunswer  being 
delivered,  the  great  Lords  and  officers  of  Greece  went  through 
all  the  contrie,  to  put  out  the  fyre  every  where.  And  there 
was  a man  of  the  same  city  of  Plataees  at  that  time  called 
Euchidas,  that  came  and  offered  him  selfe,  and  promised  The  wonder- 
he  woulde  bringe  them  fyre  from  the  temple  of  Apollo  ? Pf ede°f 

Pythias,  with  all  possible  speede  that  might  be.  So  when  pi^^iaif  * e 
he  came  to  the  city  of  Delphes,  after  he  hadde  sprinckled  f00te. 
and  purified  his  body  with  cleane  water,  he  put  a crowne  of 
lawrell  apon  his  heade,  and  went  in  that  manner  to  take  fyre 
from  the  aulter  of  Apollo.  When  he  had  done,  he  hyed 
him  againe  as  fast  as  he  coulde  ronne  for  life,  unto  the  citie 
of  Plataees,  and  came  thither  before  the  sunne  was  set, 
having  commen  and  gone  that  day  a thowsande  furlonges. 

But  after  he  hadd  saluted  his  citizens,  and  delivered  them 
the  fyre  he  brought : he  fell  downe  dead  at  their  feete,  and 
gave  up  the  ghost.  The  Plataeians  lift  him  up  starke  deade,  Diana 
and  buried  him  in  the  temple  of  Diana  Euclia,  to  say,  of  Euclia. 

2 : FFF  409 


ARISTIDES 


Euchidas 

death. 


A generall 
counsell 
holden  at 
the  city  of 
Plataees. 


Solemne 
sacrifices  and 
funeralls  kept 
by  the  Pla- 
taeians  yerely 
for  the  Greec- 
ians  that 
were  slaine 
at  the  battaill 
of  Plataees. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 


good  renowme  : and  caused  afterwards  this  Epitaphe  follow- 
ing to  be  graven  upon  his  tombe : 

Engraved  here  doth  lye,  Euchidas  speedy  man, 

who  in  one  day  both  to  and  fro,  to  Delphes  lightly  ranne. 

Even  from  this  selfe  same  place,  which  thou  doest  here  behold, 
such  hast,  post  hast,  he  swiftly  made,  thereof  thou  mayest 
beholde. 


Many  thinke  that  this  goddesse  Euclia  is  Diana,  and  so 
they  call  her.  But  other  holde  opinion  she  was  the  daughter 
of  Hercules,  and  of  Myrto  the  Nymphe,  Menaetius  daughter, 
and  Patroclus  sister,  that  dyed  a virgine,  and  was  honored 
after wardes  as  a goddesse,  of  the  Boeotians,  and  of  the 
Locrians.  For  in  all  their  cities  and  townes  in  open  places, 
they  finde  an  aulter  and  image  dedicated  unto  her : and  all 
that  are  maried,  doe  sacrifice  to  her  apon  that  aulter.  After- 
wards there  was  a generall  counsell  holden  by  all  the 
Greecians,  in  the  which  Aristides  made  a motion,  that  all 
the  cities  of  Greece  shoulde  yearely  sende  their  deputies  at  a 
certeine  day  appointed,  unto  the  city  of  Plataees,  there  to 
make  their  prayers  and  sacrifices  unto  the  goddes  : and  that 
from  five  yeares,  to  five  yeares,  they  shoulde  celebrate 
common  games,  that  should  be  called  the  games  of  liberty : 
and  that  they  should  also  leavy  through  all  the  provinces  of 
Greece,  for  maintenance  of  the  warres  against  the  Persians 
and  barbarous  people,  tenne  thowsand  footemen,  a thowsand 
horsemen,  and  a flete  of  a hundred  sayle.  Item  that  the 
Plataeians  thencefoorth  should  be  taken  also  for  devoute  and 
holy  men,  and  that  no  man  should  so  hardy  hurt  or  offende 
them,  and  that  they  shoulde  onely  tende  the  sacrifices  unto 
the  goddes,  for  the  health  and  prosperitie  of  Greece.  All 
which  articles  were  enacted  in  forme  and  maner  aforesayed, 
and  the  Plataeians  bounde  them  selves  yearely  to  kepe 
solemne  sacrifices  and  anniversaries  for  the  soules  of  the 
Greecians  that  were  slaine  in  their  territories,  fightinge  for 
defence  of  the  libertie  of  the  Greecians.  And  this  they 
observe  yet  unto  this  daye  in  this  sorte.  The  sixteenth  day 
of  the  moneth  of  Maemacterion  (which  the  Boeotians  call 
Alalcomenies,  and  is  about  the  moneth  of  Ianuary)  they  goe 
a procession,  and  before  the  procession  there  goeth  a trom- 


410 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

petor  that  soundeth  the  alarom.  Then  there  follow  certeine  ARISTIDES 
charrettes  loden  with  braunches  of  fyrre  tree,  and  with  nose- 
gayes  and  garlandes  of  triumphe : then  a blacke  bul,  and 
certeine  yong  gentlemen  noble  men  sonnes,  that  cary  great 
cawdrons  with  two  eares  full  of  wine  and  milke,  such  as  they 
use  to  powre  apon  the  graves  of  deade  men  for  propiciatory 
oblations,  and  other  young  boyes  free  borne,  that  cary  oyles, 
perfumes,  and  other  sweete  odours  in  vyoll  glasses.  For  no 
servaunt  or  bonde  man  may  lawfully  be  admitted  to  have 
any  office  about  this  mistery,  for  that  they  whose  memory 
they  honor,  dyed  all  fighting  for  defence  of  the  liberty  of 
Greece.  After  all  this  shew,  folio weth  the  provost  of  the 
Plataeians  for  that  time  being,  last  of  all : who  may  not  all 
the  rest  of  the  yeare  besides  so  much  as  touch  any  iron,  nor 
weare  any  other  coloured  gowne  but  white.  Howebeit  then 
he  weareth  on  a purple  coloured  coate,  and  holdeth  a funerall 
potte  in  one  of  his  handes,  which  he  taketh  in  the  towne 
house,  and  a naked  sworde  in  the  other  hande,  and  so  goeth 
through  the  cittie  in  this  sorte  after  all  the  pompe  aforesayed, 
unto  the  church  yarde  where  all  their  graves  be  that  were 
slaine  at  that  battell.  So  when  he  commeth  thither,  he 
draweth  water  out  of  a well  that  is  there,  and  with  the  same 
he  washeth  the  fouresquare  pillers  and  images  that  stand 
apon  those  tombes,  and  then  annointeth  them  with  oyles  and 
sweete  savors : afterwardes,  he  sacrificeth  a bulle,  and  layeth 
him  apon  a heape  of  wodde  hard  by  him,  as  they  do  when 
they  burne  the  bodies  of  dead  men,  and  making  certaine 
praiers  and  peticions  unto  Iupiter,  and  Mercurie,  goddes  of 
the  earth,  he  doth  solemnely  invite  the  soules  of  those  valliant 
men  that  dyed,  fightinge  for  the  liberty  of  Greece,  unto  the 
feast  of  this  funerall  sacrifice.  Then  he  taketh  a cuppe  full 
of  wine  in  his  hande,  and  spilling  it  all  upon  their  tombes, 
he  speaketh  these  wordes  aloude  : I drinke  to  the  worthy  and 
valliant  men,  that  dyed  sometime  in  defence  of  the  liberty 
of  Greece.  This  solemne  ceremony  and  anniversarie,  the 
Plataeians  doe  duely  observe  unto  this  present  day.  Nowe 
when  the  Athenians  were  returned  to  Athens,  Aristides  per- 
ceiving the  people  were  bent  to  stablish  a populer  state, 
where  the  people  might  beare  the  whole  rule  and  authoritie, 

411 


ARISTIDES 


Aristides  pre- 
ferred the 
popular  state. 


A wicked 
devise  of 
Themistocles. 


Aristides  sen- 
tence apon 
Themistocles 
devise. 

The  justice  of 
the  Athen- 
ians. 

Aristides  and 
Cimon  gene- 
rails  of  the 
Athenians 
against  the 
barbarous 
people. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

judginge  them  well  worthy  to  be  considered  of,  in  respect  of 
their  noble  service  and  valiant  courage  they  had  shewed  in 
this  warre : and  considering  also  that  they  would  hardly  be 
brought  to  like  of  any  other  government,  being  yet  in  armes, 
and  very  stowte,  by  reason  of  the  famous  victories  they  had 
obteyned : he  caused  a law  to  be  made,  that  all  authority  of 
government  should  runne  in  equality  among  the  citizens,  and 
that  thencefoorth  all  burgesses  (as  well  poore  as  rich)  should 
be  chosen  by  voyces  of  the  people,  and  promoted  to  offices 
within  the  city.  And  moreover,  when  Themistocles  tolde  in 
open  assembly,  that  he  had  a thing  in  his  heade  woulde  be 
greatly  to  the  profit  and  commodity  of  the  state,  but  yet  it 
was  not  to  be  spoken  openly  for  diverse  respects : the  people 
willed  him  to  tell  it  unto  Aristides  onely,  and  to  take  his 
advise  in  it,  to  knowe  whether  it  was  meete  to  be  done  or 
not.  Then  Themistocles  tolde  him  secretly  betwene  them, 
that  he  thought  to  sette  the  arcenall  afyre,  where  all  the 
Greecians  ships  lay : alleaging,  that  by  this  meanes  the 
Athenians  should  be  the  greatest  men  of  power  in  all  Greece. 
Aristides  hearinge  that,  without  any  more,  came  presently  to 
the  people  againe,  and  tolde  the  whole  counsell  openly : that 
nothinge  coulde  be  more  profitable  in  deede  for  the  whole 
common  wealth,  and  withal  more  wicked  and  unjust,  then 
that  Themistocles  thought  good  to  do.  When  the  people 
heard  Aristides  aunswere,  they  willed  Themistocles  to  lette 
his  devise  alone  whatsoever  it  were  : so  great  j usticers  were 
the  Athenians,  and  so  much  did  they  trust  Aristides  wisedom 
and  equitie  besides.  So  they  made  Aristides  afterwards 
generall  of  the  army  of  the  Athenians  together  with  Cimon, 
and  sent  them  to  make  warre  against  the  barbarous  people. 
Aristides  at  his  comming  thither,  seeing  Pausanias,  and  the 
other  Captaines  that  were  generals  over  the  whole  army, 
dealinge  hardly,  and  churlishely  with  people  their  confede- 
rates : he  on  the  contrary  side,  spake  gently  unto  them,  and 
shewed  him  selfe  as  curteous  and  familiar  to  them  as  he 
coulde  possible,  making  his  companion  also  familiar  to  all, 
and  j ust  to  every  body,  not  oppressing  one  to  ease  other,  in 
defraying  the  charges  of  the  warres.  Aristides  takinge  this 
course,  it  was  not  noted  howe  by  litle  and  litle  he  cutte  of 
412 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


the  rule  and  authoritie  of  the  Lacedaemonians  in  Greece,  not  ARISTIDES 
by  force  of  armes,  nor  by  shippes,  nor  by  numbers  of  horses,  Aristides 
but  onely  by  his  grave  and  wise  government.  For  if  the  justice  and 
justice  and  vertue  of  Aristides,  and  the  myldenes  and  curtesy  fron^the0  & 
of  Cimon  made  the  government  of  the  Athenians  to  be  liked  Lacedae- 
of,  and  accepted  of  all  the  other  people  of  Greece : the  cove-  monians  all 
tousnes,  pride,  and  fiercenesse  of  Pausanias,  made  it  much  more  their  rule  and 
to  be  desired.  For  Pausanias  never  spake  unto  the  other  Cap- 
taynes  of  the  people,  allyes,  and  confederates,  but  it  was  ever 
in  choller,  and  he  was  to  sharp  with  them  : and  for  the  poore  Pausanias 
private  souldiers,  he  woulde  cause  them  to  be  cruelly  whipped  proude  and 
for  every  small  offence,  or  else  to  make  them  stande  a whole  covetous, 
day  together  on  their  feete,  layinge  a heavy  iron  ancker  Pausanias 
apon  their  shoulders.  No  man  durst  goe  forrage,  neither  cruellpunish- 
for  strawe  nor  reedes  to  make  them  couches  of,  nor  durst  *n&  ofhis 
water  their  horse  before  the  Spartans  : for  he  had  sette 
skowtes  for  them  to  whippe  them  home,  that  went  out 
before  them.  And  one  day  when  Aristides  thought  to  have 
spoken  to  him,  and  to  have  tolde  him  some  thinge : he 
frowned  apon  him,  and  sayed  he  hadde  no  leasure  to  speake 
with  him  now,  and  so  would  not  heare  him.  Whereupon 
the  Captaines  of  the  other  Greecians,  and  specially  those 
of  Chio,  of  Samos,  and  of  Lesbos,  did  afterwardes  follow 
Aristides,  and  perswaded  him  to  take  apon  him  the  charge 
and  authority  to  commaunde  the  other  people  of  Greece, 
and  to  take  into  his  protection  the  allyes  and  confederats 
of  the  same,  who  long  sithence  wished  to  revolt  from  the 
government  of  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  onely  to  submitte 
them  selves  unto  the  Athenians.  Aristides  aunswered  them 
thus : that  they  had  not  only  reason  to  doe  that  they  sayd, 
but  that  they  were  also  constrained  to  do  it.  Notwithstand- 
ing, bicause  the  Athenians  might  have  good  grounde  and 
assurance  of  their  undoubted  fidelitie  and  good  service,  they  Aristides 
shoulde  deliver  them  manifest  testimony  and  assurance  there-  fine  tnall  °f 
of,  by  some  famous  act  attempted  against  the  Lacedaemonians,  trayfcors- 
whereby  their  people  hereafter  durst  never  fall  from  the  ^fkellious 
league  of  the  Athenians.  Vliades  Samian,  and  Antagoras  and°Anta^  ^ 
of  Chio  hearing  him  say  so,  both  Captaines  of  galleys  con-  g0ras  against 
federed  together : they  went  one  day  to  set  apon  the  Pausanias. 


413 


ARISTIDES 


The  temper- 
ance of  the 
Lacedae- 
monians. 


Aristides  did 
sesse  the 
cities  of 
Greece. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

admirall  galley  of  Pausanias,  hard  by  Bizantium,  the  one 
of  the  one  side  of  her,  and  the  other  on  the  other  side,  as 
she  was  rowing  before  all  the  fleete.  Pausanias  seeinge 
them,  stoode  uppe  straight  in  a marvelous  rage  against 
them,  and  threatned  them  that  before  it  were  longe  he 
woulde  make  them  knowe  they  had  bene  better  to  have 
assaulted  their  owne  naturall  contrie,  then  to  have  set  upon 
him  as  they  had  done.  But  they  aunswered  him,  and  bad 
him  get  him  away  quickely  and  he  were  wise,  and  let  him 
thanke  fortune  hardly,  that  graunted  the  Greecians  victory 
at  the  battell  of  Plataees  under  his  leading : and  that  it  was 
nothing  else  but  the  onely  reverence  and  respect  of  the  same, 
that  had  made  the  Greecians  hold  their  hands  till  now,  from 
geving  him  that  just  punishment  his  pride  and  arrogancy 
had  deserved.  So  the  end  was,  they  left  the  Lacedaemonians, 
and  stacke  unto  the  Athenians : wherin  was  easily  discerned 
the  great  corage,  and  wonderfull  magnanimity  of  the  Lacedae- 
monians. For  when  they  sawe  their  Captaines  were  marred 
and  corrupted,  through  the  overgreat  authority,  and  liberty 
they  had,  they  willingly  gave  up  their  commaundement  over 
the  other  Greecians,  and  did  no  more  sende  their  Captaines 
to  be  generalls  of  the  whole  army  of  Greece  : thinking  it 
better  for  their  citizens,  that  they  should  be  obedient,  and 
in  every  point  observe  the  discipline  and  law  of  their  contrie, 
then  if  they  had  bene  otherwise  the  only  rulers  and  Lords 
over  the  whole  contrie.  Now  at  what  time  the  Lacedae- 
monians did  commaunde  all  Greece,  as  Lordes : the  cities 
and  people  of  Greece  did  pay  a certeine  summe  of  money, 
towardes  defrayinge  of  the  charges  of  the  warres  against  the 
barbarous  people.  But  after  that  their  seigniorie  and  rule 
was  taken  from  them,  the  Greecians  were  contented  a taxe 
should  be  leavied,  and  that  every  city  should  be  reasonably 
sessed,  accordinge  to  their  wealth  and  abilitie : bicause  every 
citie  might  know  what  they  shoulde  pay.  And  for  this  pur- 
pose, they  prayed  the  Athenians  they  would  appoint  Aristides 
to  take  order  for  it,  unto  whom  they  gave  full  power  and 
authoritie  to  taxe  and  sesse  every  citie  indifferently,  con- 
sidering the  greatnes  of  the  territory,  and  the  revenues  of  the 
same,  as  every  one  was  reasonably  able  to  beare  it.  But  if 
414 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

Aristides  were  poore  when  he  entred  into  that  great  charge 
and  office  of  authoritie,  wherein  all  Greece  in  manner  did 
referre  them  selves  unto  his  discretion : he  came  out  of  that 
office  more  poore,  and  had  made  this  assessement  and  taxa- 
tion not  only  justly  and  truely,  but  also  so  indifferently 
accordinge  unto  every  mans  abilitie,  that  there  was  no  man 
coulde  finde  fault  with  his  dolnges.  And  like  as  the  auncient 
men  in  olde  time  did  celebrate,  and  sing  out  the  blessednes 
of  those  that  lived  under  the  raigne  of  Saturne,  which  they 
called  the  golden  age : even  so  did  the  people  and  confede- 
rates of  the  Athenians  afterwardes  honor  the  assessement 
made  by  Aristides,  calling  it  the  fortunate  and  blessed  time 
of  Greece,  and  specially,  when  shortly  after  it  did  double,  and 
treble  on  the  sodaine.  For  the  taxe  Aristides  made,  came 
to  about  foure  hundred  and  three  score  talents  : and  Pericles 
raised  it  almost  unto  a third  parte.  For  Thucydides  wryteth, 
that  at  the  beginninge  of  the  warres  of  Peloponnesus,  the 
Athenians  leavied  sixe  hundred  talentes  yearely  uppon  their 
confederates.  And  after  the  death  of  Pericles,  the  orators 
and  counsellers  for  matters  of  state  did  raise  it  up  higher  by 
litle  and  litle,  until  it  mounted  unto  the  summe  of  thirteene 
hundred  talentes.  And  this  was  not,  bicause  the  warres  did 
rise  to  so  great  a charge,  by  reason  of  the  length  of  the  same, 
and  of  the  losses  the  Athenians  had  received : but  for  that 
they  did  accustome  the  people  to  make  distributions  of 
money  by  hand  unto  every  citizen,  to  make  them  set  up 
games,  and  make  goodly  images,  and  to  builde  sumptuous 
temples.  Thus  was  Aristides  therefore  justly  honored, 
praised,  and  esteemed  above  all  other,  for  this  just  imposi- 
tion of  taxes,  saving  onely  of  Themistocles : who  went  up 
and  downe  flering  at  the  matter,  sayinge  it  was  no  mete 
praise  for  an  honest  man,  but  rather  for  a cofer  well  barred 
with  iron,  where  a man  might  safely  lay  up  his  gold  and 
silver.  This  he  spake  to  be  even  with  Aristides,  which  was 
nothing  like  the  sharpe  girde  Aristides  gave  him  openly, 
when  Themistocles  talking  with  him,  tolde  him  it  was  an 
excellent  thing  for  a Captaine  to  be  able  to  know,  and  to 
prevent  the  counsells  and  doinges  of  the  enemies : and  so  is 
it,  sayed  Aristides  againe,  not  onely  a needefull,  but  an 

415 


ARISTIDES 


Aristides  a 
true  cesser. 


Tauntes  be- 
twixt Themis- 
tocles and 
Aristides. 


ARISTIDES 


Aristides  pre- 
ferred neces- 
sity of  time, 
before  law 
and  reason. 


Aristides 
gloried  in  his 
poverty. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

honest  thinge,  and  mete  for  a worthy  generall  of  an  army, 
to  be  cleane  fingered,  without  bribery  or  corruption.  So 
Aristides  made  all  the  other  people  of  Greece  to  sweare, 
that  they  woulde  truely  keepe  the  articles  of  the  allyance, 
and  he  him  selfe  as  generall  of  the  Athenians,  did  take  their 
othes  in  the  name  of  the  Athenians : and  so  pronouncing 
execrations  and  curses  against  them  that  should  breake  the 
league  and  othe  taken,  he  threw  iron  wedges  red  hotte  into 
the  sea,  and  prayed  the  gods  to  destroy  them  even  so,  that 
did  violate  their  vowed  faith.  Notwithstandinge,  afterwardes 
(in  my  opinion)  when  there  fell  out  great  alteracion  in  the 
state,  and  that  the  Athenians  were  forced  to  rule  more 
straightly  then  before  : Aristides  then  willed  the  Athenians 
to  let  him  beare  the  daunger  and  burden  of  perjury  and 
execration,  and  that  they  should  not  let  for  feare  thereof 
to  do  any  thing  whatsoever  they  thought  mete  or  necessary. 
To  conclude,  Theophrastus  wryteth,  that  Aristides  was  not 
only  a perfect,  an  honest,  and  just  man,  in  private  matters 
betwixt  party  and  party : but  in  matters  of  state,  and  con- 
cerning the  common  weale,  he  did  many  thinges  oftentimes 
accordinge  to  the  necessitie  of  the  time,  and  troubles  of  the 
citie,  wherein  violence  and  injustice  was  to  be  used.  As  when 
the  question  was  asked  in  open  counsell,  to  know  whether 
they  might  take  away  the  gold  and  silver  that  was  left  in  the 
He  of  Delos  safely  layed  up  in  the  temple  of  Apollo  to  beare 
out  the  charges  of  the  warres  against  the  barbarous  people, 
and  to  bring  it  from  thence  unto  Athens,  apon  the  motion 
of  the  Samians,  although  it  was  directly  against  the  articles 
of  the  allyance,  made  and  sworne  amonge  all  the  Greecians. 
Aristides  opinion  beinge  asked  in  the  same,  he  aunswered : 
it  was  not  just,  but  yet  profitable.  Now,  notwithstanding 
Aristides  had  brought  his  citie,  to  rule  and  commaund  many 
thousandes  of  people : yet  was  he  still  poore  for  all  that,  and 
untill  his  dying  day  he  gloried  rather  to  be  praised  for  his 
povertie,  then  for  all  the  famous  victories  and  battells  he 
had  wonne : and  that  plainely  appeareth  thus.  Callias 
Ceres  torche  bearer,  was  his  neere  kinseman,  who  through 
enemies  came  to  be  accused,  and  stoode  in  hazard  of  life  : 
so  when  the  day  came  that  his  matter  was  to  be  heard 
416 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 

before  the  Iudges,  his  accusers  very  faintly,  and  to  litle 
purpose,  uttered  the  offences  whereof  they  accused  him,  and 
running  into  other  byematters,  left  the  chiefest  matter,  and 
spake  thus  to  the  Iudges : My  Lords,  you  al  know  Aristides 
the  sonne  of  Lysimachus,  and  you  are  not  ignoraunt  also  that 
his  vertue  hath  made  him  more  esteemed,  then  any  man  else 
is,  or  can  be,  in  all  Greece.  Howe  thinke  ye  doth  he  live  at 
home  ? when  you  see  him  abroade  uppe  and  downe  the  city, 
in  a threde  bare  gowne  all  to  tattered  ? Is  it  not  likely, 
trow  ye,  that  he  is  ready  to  starve  at  home  for  lacke  of 
meate  and  reliefe,  whom  we  all  see  quake  for  very  colde, 
beinge  so  ill  arrayed  and  clothed  ? And  yet  M.  Callias  here 
his  cosin  germaine  the  richest  citizen  in  all  Athens,  is  so 
miserable  : that  notwithstandinge  Aristides  hath  done  much 
for  him,  by  reason  of  his  great  credit  and  authoritie  among 
you,  he  suffereth  him,  and  his  poore  wife  and  children  readie 
to  begge,  to  starve  for  any  helpe  he  geveth  him.  Callias 
perceiving  the  Iudges  more  angryer  with  him  for  that, 
then  for  any  matter  else  he  was  accused  of : he  prayed 
Aristides  might  be  sent  for,  and  willed  him  to  tel  truely 
whether  he  had  not  offered  him  good  rounde  summes  of 
money,  many  a time  and  oft,  and  intreated  him  to 
take  it,  which  he  ever  refused,  and  aunswered  him  alwayes, 
that  he  coulde  better  boast  of  his  poverty,  then  him  selfe 
coulde  of  his  riches : (which  he  sayd  many  did  use  ill,  and 
few  coulde  use  them  wel)  and  that  it  was  a hard  thing  to 
finde  one  man  of  a noble  minde,  that  could  away  with 
povertie,  and  that  such  onely  might  be  ashamed  of  poverty, 
as  were  poore  against  their  willes.  So  Aristides  confirmed  all 
he  spake  to  be  true  : and  every  man  that  was  at  the  hearinge 
of  this  matter,  went  wholly  away  with  this  opinion,  that  he 
had  rather  be  poore  as  Aristides,  then  rich  as  Callias.  This 
tale  is  written  thus  by  ^Eschines  the  Socratian  Philosopher : 
and  Plato  reporteth  of  him  also,  that  notwithstandinge  there 
were  many  other  famous  and  notable  men  of  Athens,  yet  he 
gave  Aristides  praise  above  them  all.  For  others,  sayd  he, 
(as  Themistocles,  Cimon,  and  Pericles)  have  beautified  the 
citie  with  stately  porches,  and  sumptuous  buildinges  of  golde 
and  silver,  and  with  stone  of  other  fine  superfluous  devises : 
2 : GGG  417 


ARISTIDES 


A hard  thing 
to  away  with 
poverty. 

Who  may  be 
ashamed  of 
poverty. 

Aristides 
commended 
of  Plato. 


ARISTIDES 


Aristides 
temperance 
unto  Themis- 
tocles. 


Aristides 

death. 


Aristides  con- 
demned for 
extorcion. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

but  Aristides  was  only  he,  that  vertuously  disposed  him  selfe 
and  all  his  doinges,  to  the  furtherance  of  the  state  and 
common  weale.  His  justice  and  good  nature  appeared 
plainely,  in  his  doinges  and  behaviour  towardes  Themistocles. 
For  though  Themistocles  was  ever  against  Aristides  in  all 
things,  and  a continuall  enemy  of  his,  and  that  by  his  meanes 
and  practise  he  was  banished  from  Athens  : yet  when  Themis- 
tocles was  accused  of  treason  to  the  state,  having  diverse 
sharpe  enemies  against  him : as  Cimon,  Alcmaeon,  with  di- 
verse other : Aristides  sought  not  revenge,  when  he  had  him 
at  his  advantage.  For  he  neither  spake  nor  did  any  thinge 
against  him  at  that  time  to  hurt  him  : neither  did  he  rejoy ce 
to  see  his  enemie  in  misery,  no  more  then  if  he  had  never 
envied  him  in  his  prosperity.  And  touching  Aristides  death, 
some  write  he  dyed  in  the  realme  of  Pontus,  being  sent 
thither  about  matters  of  the  state : and  other  thinke  he  dyed 
an  old  man  in  the  citie  of  Athens,  greatly  honored  and 
beloved  of  all  the  citizens.  But  Craterus  the  Macedonian 
wryteth  of  his  death  in  this  sorte : After  that  Themistocles 
(sayeth  he)  was  fled,  the  people  of  Athens  became  very  stub- 
borne  and  insolent : whereupon,  many  lewde  men  grew  to  be 
common  appeachers  and  accusers  of  the  noble  men  and  chief- 
est  citizens,  and  to  stirre  up  the  malice  and  ill  will  of  the 
common  people  against  them,  who  were  waxen  proude  by 
reason  of  their  prosperity,  and  dominion  that  was  enlarged. 
Amonge  the  rest,  Aristides  was  condemned  for  extorcion  and 
ill  behaviour  in  the  common  wealth,  apon  one  Diophantes 
accusation,  of  the  village  of  Amphitrope  : who  burdened 
him,  that  he  tooke  money  of  the  Ionians,  to  make  the  annuell 
tribute  cease  which  they  payed  unto  Athens  : and  so  Craterus 
sayth,  that  bicause  Aristides  was  not  able  to  pay  the  fine 
they  set  apon  his  heade  (which  was  five  Minas)  he  was  driven 
to  forsake  Athens,  and  to  gette  him  into  Ionia  where  he  dyed. 
Yet  doth  not  Craterus  bring  foorth  any  probable  matter  to 
prove  this  true  he  wryteth : as  his  pleadinge,  his  sentence 
and  condemnation,  or  any  decree  passed  against  him,  although 
he  used  great  diligence  else  in  collectinge  all  such  matters, 
and  vowchinge  his  authors.  Furthermore,  all  other  wryters 
that  have  specially  noted  the  faultes  and  offences,  committed 
418 


GRECIANS  AND  ROMANES 


by  the  people  of  Athens  in  former  times  against  their  Cap- 
taines  and  governors : they  do  declare  Themistocles  exile, 
Miltiades  captivity  that  dyed  in  prison,  Pericles  fine  wherein 
he  was  condemned,  and  Paches  death  that  slue  him  selfe  in 
the  pulpit  for  orations,  when  he  sawe  he  was  condemned  : and 
tell  diverse  such  stories,  addinge  to  also  Aristides  banish- 
ment : but  yet  they  make  no  maner  of  mencion  of  the  con- 
demnation which  Craterus  speaketh  of.  Moreover,  Aristides 
tombe  is  to  be  seene  at  this  day  apon  the  haven  of  Phalerus, 
which  was  set  up  for  him  at  the  charge  of  the  common 
wealth,  as  it  is  reported,  bicause  he  dyed  so  poore  a manne, 
as  they  founde  nothing  in  his  house  to  bury  him  with.  Other 
go  further,  and  say  that  his  daughters  were  maried  by  decree 
of  the  people,  at  the  charge  of  the  common  wealth,  and  that 
the  citie  gave  every  one  of  them  three  thowsande  Drachmas : 
and  his  sonne  Lysimachus,  a hundred  Minas  of  silver,  and  a 
hundred  Iugera,  and  at  Alcibiades  request,  who  was  the 
author  of  the  decree,  they  gave  him  foure  Drachmas  a day 
besides,  of  ordinarie  allowance.  Furthermore,  when  this  Lysi- 
machus dyed,  he  left  alive  one  onely  daughter  called  Poly- 
crite,  whom  the  people  appointed,  as  Callisthenes  wryteth, 
as  much  provision  to  live  withall,  as  they  gave  to  any  that 
wanne  the  Olympian  games.  And  sithence,  Demetrius 
Phalerian,  Hieronymus  Rhodian,  Aristoxenus  the  musitian, 
and  Aristotle  the  Philosopher,  at  the  least  if  the  booke 
intituled  of  Nobilitie  be  any  of  Aristotles  workes : all  these 
agree  together,  that  one  Myrto,  Aristides  daughters  daughter, 
was  maried  to  the  wise  Socrates,  who  tooke  her  to  his  wife 
(having  a wife  already)  bicause  she  was  a poore  widdow,  and 
could  not  be  maried  for  her  poverty,  having  much  a do  to 
live.  Yet  Panaetius  doth  wryte  against  them,  in  his  booke 
of  Socrates  life.  But  Demetrius  Phalerian  wryteth  in  his 
booke  he  intituled  Socrates , that  he  could  remember  very 
well  he  had  seene  one  Lysimachus,  Aristides  sonnes  sonne,  or 
his  daughters  sonne,  that  was  very  poore,  and  lived  of  that 
he  could  get  to  interpret  dreames,  by  certaine  tables,  wherin 
was  wrytten  the  arte  to  interpret  the  signification  of  dreames : 
and  that  he  kept  commonly  about  the  temple  of  Bacchus 
called  Iacchion,  unto  whom,  together  with  his  mother  and 

419 


ARISTIDES 


Aristides 

tombe. 

The  Athen- 
ians thanke- 
fulnes  unto 
Aristides 
children. 


Myrto, 

Aristides 

daughters 

daughter 

maried  unto 

Socrates. 


ARISTIDES 


The  Athen- 
ians com- 
mended 
for  their 
liberality. 


LIVES  OF  THE  NOBLE 

his  sister,  he  sayd  he  had  caused  the  people  to  geve  them  a 
Triobolum  a peece,  every  day  towards  their  livinge.  It  is 
very  true  that  the  selfe  same  Demetrius  Phalerian,  when  he 
reformed  the  state  of  Athens,  ordained  that  his  mother  and 
sister  should  have  ech  of  them  a Drachma  by  the  day  to 
finde  them  withall,  out  of  the  common  chamber  of  the  city. 
And  it  is  no  new,  nor  straunge  thing,  that  the  people  of 
Athens  were  so  carefull  to  helpe,  and  to  relieve,  the  women 
that  dwelt  in  the  citie:  considering  that  in  times  past, 
Aristogiton  having  a litle  daughter  in  the  He  of  Lemnos,  in 
very  hard  and  poore  state,  and  that  coulde  not  be  bestowed 
in  mariage  for  her  poverty,  they  caused  her  to  be  brought  to 
Athens,  and  maried  her  in  one  of  the  noblest  houses  of  the 
city,  and  made  her  a joynter  besides  in  the  village  of  Potamos. 

Which  great  curtesy  and  humanity  of  theirs,  hath  ever 
deserved  great  fame  and  commendacion,  and  yet  con- 
tinueth  even  until  this  day,  in  that  noble  city  of 
Athens,  in  the  mouth  of  every  man  there. 

THE  END  OF  ARISTIDES  LIFE 


420 


EDINBURGH 
T.  6s  A.  CONSTABLE 
Printers  to  Her  Majesty 

1895 


. 


f 


university  OF  'LUNOB-jJRBANA, 


3 0112114035055 


